August 29

Distance: 16.0 miles | Ascent: 2250′ | Descent: 1020′

Mile marker: 1110.1

Lunch: J – chili and rice (B), A – cheesy orzo (A)

Dinner: J – taco (B+), A – sausage stuffing (A)

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We luxuriated in a real bed for one last morning. Sadly, we would have to get back to the trail today. Even after a few days of rest, we’re still a little stiff and sore but rejuvenated nonetheless. We drank our coffees while packing up and eating all the leftover food we got during this little vacation.

Before long, we were back to the trailhead. This time, we had Jodi to accompany us for the first little bit. We marveled at the trees (some with bark like alligator skin! We wish we knew more about trees) and rocks before snacking on the leftover leftovers. Then it was time to confront the facts that Jodi had a flight to catch out of Medford and we still had to walk to Mexico.

After we parted, we decided which campsite we wanted for the night and hit the trail. The mistake in this section (double counting some miles) meant that we could have an easier time making our way to the next stop. So, we moseyed. We took a two hour lunch. And, we still made it to camp well before dark.

Along the way, we saw this awesome spring with carnivorous plants all around. And a slow lizard.

We also found lots of blue stones with beautiful minty green patches. We will have to learn what these are!

We reached the campsite and were a tiny bit relieved that we were alone – no weekenders or even other thruhikers. The site overlooked a lake, but it was far too steep to go for a dip.

Tomorrow, we’ll hit a BIG milestone with our mileage.