The Oregon section of the PCT thus far has consisted of two prominent landscapes whose contrast can not be overstated. The favorable landscape includes pines which are 80-90’ tall draped with bright green lichen. The forest floor is covered in small green bushes, knee high grass, and in between are baby pines hoping to see the big blue sky. In contrast and sometimes right around the corner are shards of a forest that once was. What’s left is black splinters scattered about. No life is left and the forest floor is covered in soot or loose first. The inferno which engulfed the forest must have been hell and even the biggest trees if still standing are long since dead. As we’ve hiked through Oregon I’ve come to expect one or the other and sometimes both on the same day. Even though the landscape is predictable; each day is new. Each morning a new sunrise in a new location, each corner or hill the trail leads us to is new. Never have we seen this exact scene and once passed its likely gone forever. I get excited each night for a new campsite anticipating what it may offer. The days and scenery may be predictable for now but each day is unique and that keeps it exciting.
Today we arrive at Big Lake Youth Camp, a kids Christian summer camp which allows PCT hikers to stop in for a night or two. They feed you 3 meals a day, provide showers, laundry, a kitchen and place to hang out and relax. It’s a beautiful camp and you can see the dedication of the counselors and directors. Anyone who opens their doors to stinky, dirty hikers are Angels. Thank you BLYC!
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