Oh boy! A lot has transpired in the last two days. Yesterday, Rosie and I hurriedly hiked nine miles to meet my dad, Papa Norton, and the observatory fifteen miles outside of Sisters, Oregon. While waiting at the observatory, a stranger chatted us up about our hike. He asked us about our plans to avoid the forest fires in the north. Forest fires?!?! Rosie and I had no idea there were forest fires. Initially, we didn't take him or the fires too seriously. We were waiting for my amazing dad and the luxuries of civilization. Papa Norton showed up with fresh fruit, chicken, lotion, blister care, batteries, and more! He whisked us away to a delicious BBQ rib dinner and a night in a hotel. We were spoiled!
The following morning, we went to the ranger station to check about the forest fires. The ranger showed us an alternate route, and told us Ollalie Lake was a safe entry point. Great, we were good to go... or so we thought. As we traveled north, Rosie discovered multiple forest fires. One fire caused Ollalie Lake to evacuate, yesterday. The forest ranger hadn't been provided current information regarding the fires, which could have put Rosie and I in extreme danger. Arg! We changed our plans, again and again, to avoid the fires. Eventually, my dad drove us to Cascade Locks, Oregon to escape the fires. He is our absolute hero, and we are extremely thankful to have him as a trail angel.
Tomorrow we will head south on a Timberline-Cascade Locks loop that will take us about 10 days. We are looking forward to another full zero day in Cascade Locks with some friends and family. After that, we will continue our northward trek on the PCT.
Merit Badges:
- To the ranger station lady who pushed her grumpy coworker into printing maps for us. Yay!!!
- To Papa Norton who saved our bacon. Hip, hip, hooray!
Always knew your Dad was awesome! And you and Rosie are two smart and brave ladies.
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