Eagle Creek Trail, PCT Alternate route

Dave is within a stone's through of the Columbia trail tonight, August 26th.

He called this morning when he took a break. All along the ridge he was on he had two or three bars on his cell, but also had the message "emergency services only". He sat down and tried calling me again and was happy to have gotten through. He is still hiking through thick forest. He confirmed that Zero was hiking alone and was indeed the hiker at the head of the pack. When Dave stopped last night, Zero was 15 minutes ahead of him. Zero hiked for two additional hours and added 5 to 6 miles. Dave said that he had not seen Fire Marshall. He must have been near, but still a bit behind Dave. Dave has also decided that the PCT is about 1000 miles too long! He can see the end but feels it'll never get here (He repeats this almost every time he and I talk). He needs to walk this hike one day at a time and not think about the end. Dave sounded tired but in good spirits. He knows now that he can emotionally complete this hike. He's just hoping that his body keeps working as good as it has been.

Between PCT mile 2138 and 2155, the PCT hikers have two options. They can continue on the PCT for the 16.5 miles or they can take the Eagle Creek Trail, which is 15.4 miles. According to half Mile, the majority of hikers take the Eagle Creek Trail. Dave also chose this route. Check out PCT Half Mile map Oregon Section G Page 6. Dave is at Eagle Creek Trail mile 6. (Equal to about PCT mile 2144)

http://www.pctmap.net/download/p/mapdl.html

Also check out Dave's Spot:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=45.576,-121.85228&ll=45.576,-121.85228&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Tomorrow we move onto the Washington maps!

Dave has asked if someone would pass a message on to Eric - Dave will need lots of help when he gets back. He's afraid now that he weighs about 130 lbs. Not only is he down to almost nothing in the way of body fat, but he realizes that he is now losing muscle. He will need Eric's help getting that muscle back.

It looks like Zero is already at or near Cascade Locks at PCT mile 2155, which is the last stop before crossing the Columbia River. Fire Marshall is on the Eagle Creek Trail, near or just behind Dave. Dave and Fire Marshall will be meeting up with Zero tomorrow. I'm sure Zero is so happy to have hiked this last leg by himself. What a great accomplishment!

Trail Angel Jane