Oh if all days could be like this 😉
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Starting with coffee in camp with Loura and Theresa, I made the decision to accept their generous offer of a ride into Ashland (blame tired feet!). Every thru hiker seems to love Ashland, and it really looks like a beautiful small town. From our campsite, the trail to I-5 would climb back up to 7000ft and even driving the backroads we encountered challenges!!
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We dropped down from higher elevations into the nice little town.
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Serendipitously we pulled over in front of a bakery while still deciding on a plan for the day so when I was walking later I had my hands full!
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I had to check both the weather forecast and the arrival of my food box at Callahan’s on the Interstate to come up with a plan. Turns out the next 2 days are nice, then a storm hits that even has snow in the forecast for Ashland (which is low) and could add significant challenges to the Crater Lake section. I decided to forego the food box (which only arrives in 2 days) and hike for two days to Fish Lake Resort where indoor lodging is available. There I will decide whether I continue north or head south from Dunsmuir (the train should be relatively easy to get to).
After saying goodbye to Loura and Theresa, I hiked north towards Hyatt Lake. The trail was gentle and the temperature pleasant, and some day hikers were out near the lake. I hiked through a meadow that had some of the nicest properties I have ever seen … not fancy mansions but beautiful homes with verandas and horses in the pastures.
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At Hyatt Lake Resort I hung out with a cool drink and wifi 🙂 The staff let me fill my water bottles and I even quickly washed my hair in the restroom sink! And this is what you look like after eating dried strawberries straight up 🙂
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Now I am at a closed campground on the other side of the lake. Facilities aren’t open yet but I’m self-sufficient so I figure I’m not harming anyone by camping here. Yeah for picnic tables and a nice view! It’s warm with a breeze.
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What is different in Oregon compared to California you ask?
There are a lot more roads that cross the trail. Some paved, many dirt. There are also a lot more people out in the backcountry – day hiking, horseback riding, mushroom picking. The trail is way better marked with trail signs and blazes everywhere. Also there is a lot of plane traffic over southern Oregon; everything from single-engine tiny planes to jet fighters.