July 31st and August 1st, 2021
Mile Marker: 1704.7
Miles Hiked Today: 14
We woke up this morning ready to rumble. We had 14 miles to get into Ashland for a couple days and we could not be more excited. We had felt the filthiest we had been since being on trail and were in need of showers and laundry.
The morning was slightly chilly and once again incredible. The beauty this trail has shown me is unreal. It surprises me every day.
I spent the morning calling my sisters and catching up since the trail was a nice gentle downhill and I finally had some service.
We even ran into a strange trail magic sitting out by a tree. We thought it was trash at first until we realized everything was full. Thank you to whoever did this!
For the last 4 miles Journey and I ran fueled up on adrenaline to get to town. Running seems to be the norm when there is a downhill and town to get to.
We took a side trail to a place called Callahans Lodge to try and get a ride from a trail angel. We were told this place had a list of people that we could call from. It had seemed like Ashland was a place with multiple trail angels wanting to help us.
Once we walked in, we decided that it was a good spot to eat some breakfast. We both ordered the hiker breakfast that came with unlimited pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and hash browns. It was so tasty and even better was the free beer offered to PCT hikers. It was going to be a good day!
We called a trail angel and got a ride from the lodge to Ashland so that we could do our chores before we headed to Medford for the air bnb Planner had arranged.
After getting some shoes and fixing some gear we walked past a shop and noticed Planners pack sitting outside. I walked in and went behind Planner and said “Uhm excuse me ma’am?” She turned around not expecting to see me and we both laughed and embraced in a big hug, ecstatic to finally be in the same place at the same time.
Planner, Conrad, Journey, and I eventually all headed to Medford to buy groceries and then to the air bnb house.
Little did I know this was going to be a huge furnished house with 6 beds and a big kitchen! I don’t know why it feels so relieving to be in a house but it does. It also feels better when I know I won’t have to leave for another day. Time to rest!
We spent the evening drinking some beer and catching up with everyone, there were 13 of us staying the night!
Bottleneck and Tide also made us dinner, a huge nacho bar and margaritas. By nacho bar I mean they piled nachos and toppings on the island counter top and we all stood around devouring it. Surprisingly, when we all finished it looked like we didn’t even make a dent?! Multiple times throughout the rest of the evening people made their way back around to pick at the nachos. They were sooooo yummy!
It was a joyous evening and the next day was just as good as I literally spent most of the day laying in bed. I felt like every time I took a zero I was running around doing something and this time didn’t want to do that. So I sat my butt in bed and worked on blog posts and napped for majority of the day.
In the evening Bottleneck and Tide made dinner for us again. Italian night, where we had lasagna, breadsticks, salad, the works!
Recyclops, another thru hiker we have been around a lot also made some pies for the group as well. There was no doubt we did some good eating.
My favorite part of the whole evening though was when we crowded around in the living room to watch a video Bottleneck had put together of her PCT journey.
I think it made most of us teary eyed. It really has been quite an epic journey thus far. It’s sad to know that she has to get off trail for grad school but I know she is going to go off and do great things. I feel lucky to have had the pleasure of walking so many miles with her. Much love Bottlecap! ❤️
Thinking of her leaving has me feeling almost terrified knowing that I have about a month left.
Sometimes it feels like the trail is where I belong.
Time is going entirely too quick and like I always say, I am so so so so so thankful for this privilege and opportunity.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 