Mazama Village, OR. Mile 1818

Rough times. Out of Callahan's was hot and felt slow going. I was completely loaded with 4 days of my food and 2.5 of Ragnar's. 

I believed that Oregon would provide a psychological second wind.  Not feeling it. Although, Ragnar is living the life. When feeling like giving up I run into Dixie, Butters, Dibs, and Percolater (Perc for short). It was a little bit of community I needed that night.

Unfortunately next day was not much better. I manage my obligatory sobby call to Scott about how this trail is hard,  Ragnar's food is too heavy,  and I just want to be home. Scott is so kind and sweet and encourages me onward.

Luckily my spirits are saved by the companionship of Butters and Dibs. They let me night hike with them to the next water/camp site.

It is a late moving morning the next day.  I manage to change my thought process: Take your time and stop worrying about making it to Canada prior to October. In better spirits I encounter a trail angel, Dawn and her pup Emily. She has doughnuts and soda, heaven. She is a dog trainer whose brain I pick for help with further training Ragnar. What a wonderful pair.

P.S. Ragnar has a paw blister. I tried hard the last five days to alternate with him wearing boots and bare paws.  Did not help, but clearly he was not worse for the wear. 

I only hiked 18 miles to HWY 140. Said,  I don't care it is less miles. I'm going to hitch to Fish Lake Resort eat and drink fresh things.  Then maybe hike back out and hit 2 or more miles. Low and behold Dixie and Perc join me for dinner.  We decide to rent a cabin, have a genuine nice time.

We chat honestly about feeling drained and unmotivated.

The next day we aimed to get moving early,  but ended up voting for sleeping in, breakfast,  and a lovely leisure hike. Genuine conversation and camaraderie really left us all feeling rejuvenate and feeling ready to hit trail tomorrow and deal with another fire closure.

Honestly so grateful to have met these wonderful people.

Due to fire closure we ate forced to leave the trail at mile 1801. Luckily wet got a ride from a trail angel named Mark. Not only does he drive us to Crater Lake,  but buys us dinner and a room at the lodge.  His generosity was inspiring