In and out of Crater Lake

It's 9:05 and I just received Dave's. I had a chance to talk to him around 3:00 this afternoon.

He spent last night near the store in Mazama because all the camping spots were taken. There was a pack of hikers in town. Epic, Wolf Taffy, Golden Child, Schroomer were just a few. He got the package I had sent to him. The package was suppose to arrive Thursday, but got in Friday morning. The backpack he had requested was way too heavy, so I'll be sending another one to him at the next resupply location, Sisters. The 4 gig card I sent him was the wrong one - it was an SC card not an SD card. I'm off tomorrow to buy him another one and get it out in the mail tomorrow - so no pictures until next mail delivery.

When Dave called home, he had left Mazama, the small town just prior to Crater Lake, PCT mile 1729.5. He was taking a rest with Redhead and another hiker whose name I don't know at the rim of Crater Lake, around PCT mile 1734. He was uber hydrating because there is no water source for the next 26 miles. I had a chance to talk to Redhead. We had both heard about each other, and he decided it was time we met at least over the phone. Hopefully, he'll one day come and visit us here in Duarte. He's a climber and wants to get Dave to do some climbing with him.

One plan would be to stay there, have water for dinner and breakfast, and then load up for the day and hike his 26 miles. However, we know Dave has that itch and all he wants to do now is hike. So, he was loading up with three liters of water. He figured that they would hike as long as they could, stop for the night, and by mid day get to the next water source. He was confidant they could do it.

His Spot shows him camping at the Northern end of Crater Lake. That was about 8 miles from where he was when he called me. It could be that they found water and decided to camp near the water source. He may have run into other hikers who talked him into staying there.

Check out PCT Half Mile maps Oregon section C, page 10

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

You can also check out Dave's Spot:

http://www.findmespot.com/mylocation/?id=3Ferv/42.9791/\-122.1492

Dave asked me to give a few shout outs:

Curtis and Gary Fratianne thanks for the ride to Etna. Father and son from Avon Lake, Ohio.

Sheri Meguiar thanks for the ride to Etna Trail head and good luck with your horses.

Carl Sieg and Rodney thanks for the hospitality, drinks, and use of your cabin.

Motorcycle girl - good luck with your ride.

It is wonderful to hear about all of the trail magic! You are all really special people!

Zero and Fire Marshall's spot came in at 8:30. They are at Mazama, PCT mile 1729.5, only about 12 miles behind Dave.

Trail Angel Jane