PCT 98 – The Sisters

Daily miles – 23
Total miles – 1974

Brisk morning to start our day.   We started with a climb that warmed us up quickly and we were into new terrain by 9am.

The last few days have largely been in the woods and our main scenery items of note have been lakes and ponds.   Today,  that changed dramatically to scenery of Volcanic mountains and the remains of their eruptions.  

We were walking along the western moraine of the three Sisters mountains for much of the day.   There were more streams and springs,  as well as lava fields and drifts of moraine and the rocks therein that formed nearly wall-like features. It was excellent.   The change was welcome as was the breeze that we began to feel towards the end of the day..

Lots of weekend backpackers,  lots of southbound pct thru hikers,  some horse people,  and even a Ranger.   Like the one yesterday,  he checked our permits,  had a few words and we were on our way.   We are not really sure what the permit check is all about,  and why they care to check in this area.   It is not a a national park.   The Rangers write down our names and have a log of every person they meet.  It seems kind of strange,  especially being on public land as we are.

We kept up a regular routine of massage on Sweetpea’s hip and calf today again,  and that seemed to help mitigate the pain in her hip substantially.   Gazelle,  unfortunately started to develop shin splints as the day went on,  and she is borrowing our ace bandage to give her lower leg some compression.

Tonight we are camped by a spring/stream that is coming out of the base of a mountain.   The water is very cold and clean.  Several other folks camping here as well.   A mix of what seems to be weekenders with some thru hikers. We have steady breeze and much cooler temps than we have had in Oregon thus far,  which should make for excellent sleeping.