National Forest Rd 600, OR. Mile 1928

Slept in at the Crater Lake Rim Lodge, ate a delicious breakfast. Of course, due to fires, you cannot see much of the lake for it's smoke blanket. Hiked 4ish miles to pick up my resupply package. Enjoyed an all you can eat soup and salad bar. Had lovely in depth discussions with Dixie and Perk.

With great luck we were able to get a ride around the West Rim road closure to the point where the PCT was open again. It was a two leg journey.  First a trail maintenance couple brought us to the rim Village followed by a generous Hotshot Firefighter from Arizona.  We chatted for a  hour or so about life and its nuances.

Smoke is a constant companion.  Could barely see Mt Thielsen. It was an uneventful 26 miles.

Reached the apparent highest point of the  PCT in Oregon and Washington. I am skeptical; thought we would be higher than that in Washington.

Interesting plants and blueberries! AKA stained fingers.

Oregon smoke cleared some and we got to see quite a few mountains and lakes.

Moss covered trees make the light have a green hue. It is too bad that cameras cannot capture it.

Summit Lake and it's mystical island.

Southern sunrise view. I love getting to see the sun's first rays touch the earth.

Diamond Mt and her snow.  There happened to be a snow field close enough to go touch; Ragnar and I had a great time playing in the snow.

I encountered these strange jars miles from civilization. I am vary curious to what they mean. From left to right there was decreasing amounts of clear liquid.

I can tell we are going North in Oregon; lots of ponds along the way.

At Shelter Cove we rested and resupplied. While there this lovely butterfly decided Perk was a perfect resting place. When it took off it had bright orange wings.

Beautiful lake number 20.

We ran into a fire closure unexpectedly. The day before we called at 1400 to verify the trail conditions had not change. Unfortunately that night they extended the fire closure. We were very lucky that I was able to use my satellite texter to contact Jeff. He picked us up and took us home to meet his family and spoil us with creature comforts.

Ragnar is in Heaven. There are endless toys in this house. He has such a hard time deciding what to play with.  He also got new gear from Ruffwear: Boots and Pack. He is being SPOILED.

The lovely family children: Parker, Matthew, and Elsa. We had such a rejuvenating time. To meet such wonderful people along the trail is the highlight of this journey.

When asked to take a family picture they staged this lovely picture for us. "The Modern Family" I cannot describe how blessed we feel from them. The generosity and warmth is unfathomable.