We lingered on the last moning. With only 12 mile to go and Kirk showing up around 5pm to pick us up, we had all day to make our way around Mt. Jefferson. It was a two cup of coffee kind of start to the day.

One mile after leaving camp we entered the burn. An apt description of the next campsite said “sleeping in an ash try.” Everything was torched. The plus? Berries were still lining the trail. I didn’t know huckleberries were so resilient!

We climbed and climbed up to the start of Jefferson Park, and low and behold, much of the Park retained the lush green splendor! The numerous lakes and ponds must have kept the hot at bay, but there were incursions here and there where a patch of trees held the flames back.

We snacked at Russle Lake and enjoyed the rest, even despite the mosquitos trying to drive us away.

Then up and up some more to the next pass where NEMO had a tearful goodbye with Jefferson. This was a mountain to fall in love with.

The north side had snow fields and the trail was full of sand and rocks which acted as ball bearings as we gingerly made our way down.

It was almost the end of our hike, and our feet were ready to be done. We had visions of a swim in the lake when we got there, but when arriving at Breitenbush Lake we found blowdowns and no easy access. When we did manage to make it near the shore it was marshy with no place to take a dip. Bummed, we made our way back to the PCT and splashed off in the creek nearby and sat down to wait for Kirk.

A few hikers came by that we had been leapfrogging, and then the dusty blue pickup pulled up, early!!! Kirk brought cold drinks, fruit, and chips and I hauled the magic over to share with our new friends. More hikers showed up and soon there were 5 or 6 of us snacking in the shade.

Finally we decided it was time to leave the PCT and we loaded up in the truck for the harrowing six mile drive out on a very rough road. Once we reached pavement the going was much smoother, and we spend away to Sisters for a burger and a beer.

Oh PCT, we love you!