Day 106: mile 1935.3-1952.6 (Elk Lake)
When your day starts out with a mosquito bite that looks like a someone punched you in the face, your day can only get better from there right?
I headed out into the rainy morning completely covered. I felt like I was going to a funeral in my black jacket with my black bug net draped over my face like a vail. I suppose I was, a funeral for all the blood I’ve lost so far on this trail to these pesky (not the word I’d like to use, but we’ll keep this G rated) mosquitoes. 😂
The rainy day gave the trail a different feeling. I’ve said this before, but I always enjoy seeing the trail in a different light, quite literally. It reminded me of Northern California a bit with the lush green plants covering the sides of the trail.
I hadn’t planned on making a stop at Elk Lake, but I decided it would ultimately be good for my motivation, even if it was 5 miles less than I’d planned on for the day. As you know OR has been a mental challenge for me, and I always feel recharged after some human interaction, so I headed down.
I was unsure if I was going to stay for the night, but as soon as I got to the lake and saw how beautiful it was I knew I wasn’t leaving. I went inside the restaurant (there’s a resort with cabins and camping, super cool place!) and ordered a beer and some sweet potato fries. As I was sitting on the patio enjoying myself a lady came to chat with me. As we were talking about my experience I mentioned I didn’t need some of my gear, but wasn’t sure how or when I could send it home. Without hesitation, she immediately offered to send it for me. Wow, I couldn’t believe her generosity! Thanks Juliette! I joined her and her husband, Mom, and friend by the lake until they headed back to Bend. It was wonderful getting to spend time with such great people.
I headed over to the hiker’s campsite and quickly discovered it was not the flattest area. Always being in the mindset that something will workout, I decided to keep looking for a better spot. What do you know, I found the flattest, softest spot I think I’ve camped on yet. It appeared I’d wandered into the employee camping area, but I figured it was late and no one would mind. I set up shop and excitedly sat with my tent completely open for a bit, no mosquitoes, glorious! I then proceeded to stream a few shows on HBO and stay up way too late. Thank goodness I don’t have service all the time! It’s way past my bedtime.
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks