August 10

There is no name for what I'm about to do today. It is midnight and now the 11th but I am up, met another sobo hiker and we are headed out for a little night hiking after spending some time at Big Lake Youth Camp. I did get up at 3 am and was hiking by 4 am this morning. The stars are so vivid at night I found it hard to walk in a straight line much less follow the trail. I stumbled my way to a ridge where I took some amazing pictures using the long shutter exposure feature on my camera. I hiked a little farther to another eastern facing ridge where I ate my last avocado an watched the sun rise. I got to the lake I was trying to reach before the storm hit and met a small group of weekend backpackers. Two of which hiked out the 11 or so miles with me and we chatted about the trail. To Mikayla and Ashland, if you found my blog, you should know you have what it takes to do the PCT. You kept up well with full packs and one rest break that's more than most people can do. Good luck on your hike, possibly class of 2016??

I got to Santiam Pass, found the soda cache, and aired out my tent and sleeping bag. Just as I was about to pack up my tent, more storm clouds rolled in and I had to dive in for cover. The rain only lasted for about 3 hours, and as soon as they quit I cut my phone calls short and headed for the youth camp upon word from a nobo hiker that Saturdays are free food days at the camp. I arrived after missing the sign and hiking a mile too far, got a plate of food and met a fellow sobo hiker named Jason. I've done laundry, had a shower and Jason and myself are headed to the trail to hike tonight. We plan on going until about 4 or 5 am then crashing until 10 or 11 am tomorrow. I will have been up for more than 24 hours. Fun.