Day 117: mile 2116.1-2142.3
I woke up with a little hope I still might make it the 30+ miles to Cascade Locks. I’ve been looking at the food options in town just in case, and Locks of Dogs & Treats is at the top of the list. Chili dog, I’m comin for ya!
As I was cruising along I passed tons of berries, which was such a tease since none of them were ripe yet. I also passed some really beautiful flowers. They look like lilies to me…?
Through out the day I switched off and on between tree cover and some spectacular views.
Unfortunately even those spectacular views couldn’t distract me from my feet. They were dying during my last miles of the day. I started my decent into Cascade Locks, but I decided I couldn’t take another 5 miles of pounding downhill. My feet told me the chili dog would have to wait, so sad. The cushion in my shoes is totally shot. It feels like I’m walking barefoot, which is causing me to have to stop for breaks far too often. Thankfully I’ll be getting a new pair of shoes in town.
I crossed my fingers the campsite I planned on was open. If not I’d be forced to continue on as the trail is steep and narrow in this area and there’s nowhere else to camp for miles.
Phew, it was open. It wasn’t the flattest spot, my tent barely fit, and it was pretty windy, but I was so relieved. My feet were celebrating even if it was a little depressing to be so close I could see Cascade Locks from here. The chili dog was literally in sight, what a tease!
Just as I was getting settled inside my tent a very disappointed hiker charged into the site like a bull in a china shop. He was really upset that I had made it there before him as he heard the site was open. Awkward. He angrily mumbled for a few minutes, and then calmed down. He squeezed into a small spot and decided to cowboy camp (camping without a tent in the open). Not long after another hiker managed to find a spot just above me to cowboy camp as well. At least he was in better spirits! It’s going to be a cozy night here in this campsite. These are the times I’m extra thankful I sleep with ear plugs!
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks