Stats
12.6 miles (plus 1 other miles to/from Crater Lake lookout)
About 1,500' elevation gain
6.0 hours hiking
2.27 hiking mph
Photos
Link to all photos from day 7.
Journal Entry
italics = original journal text
regular = added during transcription
Slept well & slept in until about 8. Was walking by 9 & didn't see anyone else around. Made it to the rim (of Crater Lake) by 11 & hung out for a while b/c I knew I had a shorter day ahead. Got a chik & rice bowl and a muffin at the cafe. Afterwards, I filled up w/ 5 liters of water, then went upstairs above the cafe where there was more seating & was quieter. Ended up napping for about an hour before heading out.
Pack definitely felt heavy but was manageable. This began the longest dry stretch (26 miles). My pack was the heaviest it would be for the whole trip. 14 lbs base weight + 11 lbs water + 11 lbs food = 36 lbs. There were quite a few steep sections of the Rim Trail which were not fun. Views were amazing of course. Took the side trip to the old fire lookout. Views weren't that much better but it was probably still worth the 45 minute detour (330' elevation gain, 0.5 miles each way).
Trying to focus on slowing down during the day since I have a hard deadline of Wed evening. Getting there early wouldn't do me any good. The OST (Oregon Skyline Trail) alternate is also 10 miles shorter than the PCT proper so my last day will only be 5 miles, even with only doing 16-18 miles days.
The bugs got awful about a half mile from camp (at the end of the day), and remained bad. There are a couple other tents, but everyone is sheltered down.
17 miles to water tomorrow.
First view of the lake after hiking up.
Tasted good enough with enough teriyaki sauce added.
Swarms of tourists.
Mt. Thielsen (9,184') 15 miles to the north.
View north from the rim.
Too many shots to choose from.
Almost off the rim.
Where I leave the Rim trail.
Thank you for sharing Neil! This is Karol Schmer, one of your mom's SLP friends.
ReplyDeleteInspiring photos and interesting reading!