June 20, 2017

This little adventure of mine is turning into a game of trail chasing.  There is little to no information out there about the condition of the trail ahead and the Forest Service is seriously lacking in its information relay skills.  Facebook pages are more informative than the people who are paid to know stuff like this.  But, I digress... 

Feeling Better

After my last stop, I began hitting my stride again and it felt amazing.  My knees and shins no longer hurt and besides the pads of my feet feeling sore, I was basically free of any issues.  I cannot begin to describe how amazing it feels to be feeling this good.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bounding down the trail through the forest like a Hobbit carrying a ring, but for the most part, it's been pretty great.  

Close Encounters

The last stretch has been pain-free, but not free of events.  I was an hour from breaking for lunch and decided to take a quick micro break.  I sat down for no more than 15 seconds when I heard a stick break nearby.  Then another and another.  

Moments later a black bear appeared about 50 yards away heading downhill.  He had no idea I was there even after yelling "hey bear!"  I watched him cruise through the forest and tried again to let him know I was there.  He figured it out that time and took off running. 

The following morning as I was packing my sleeping bag, I noticed a large insect in my tent.  It turned out to be a fairly sizable scorpion coming my way inside my tent.  I was in disbelief wondering how he got in there with me.  

So, that was fun... I apparently slept with a scorpion all night.  

Oregon Bound

If all goes well, I am about 10 days from Oregon.  That being said, there is still snow in the hills.  We are going to give the next stretch a go and hope for the best. 

I am incredibly excited to see the state of Oregon and can't wait to see what the next 1000 miles bring me.  

Made it to Shasta, By Land

Thanks for checking out these posts about my hike up the Pacific Crest Trail! If you have any questions for me or want to connect, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.

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