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We are currently on another long distance hike, and the third leg of our "triple crown", the Continental Divide Trail (the "CDT"). Come along with us if you can - if not in person then by following our grand adventure via our "posts from the trail".  Check out our Flickr Photos, which we'll update periodically, and see it through our eyes!

Our Credo...

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

August 21st

We were greeted at daybreak by the noise of trucks and heavy machinery nearby, most likely the sounds of logging or of a rock quarry not far off.

Summers days are numbered as we slide into its waning days. A cold morning was a prelude to a cold day. We said good bye to Ruth as she was headed only 2 miles to Santiam Pass, the “other” way into the town of Sisters, where she would meet her mother and take a day off.

Shortly after leaving camp we crossed over the 2,000-mile point. There is no official sign or marker, just a feeling that the miles are really adding up, only 658 to go. It’s a great psychological lift.

We walked a good part of the day through the remains of last years B&B fire. Damage ranged from badly scorched including the soil to ground debris clearing while leaving most trees intact to areas or pockets of green that were skipped over.

The morning was dominated by Three Finger Jack; walking around its flanks and getting closeups of its many profiles. From the north there are more than three fingers. In fact, I would say that there are enough fingers for a full hand and then some. But I guess that “Full Hand Jack” might give the wrong idea.

Further north we could look back and see an obvious crest line connecting Three Fingered Jack, Mt Washington and all 3 Sisters. Ahead Mt Jefferson draws ever closer. By days end it was right in front of us larger than life, although its peak was mantled in clouds.

Clouds built up in the afternoon to the point that the sky was completely gray. The temps dropped significantly and humidity in the air tells the tale of rain to come. Strong winds pushed a thick layer of wood smoke from distant fires underneath the clouds adding to the sense of impending “doom”.

We leap frogged with ZigZagger most of the day and saw a few southbound weekenders as well but not nearly as many as in the 3 Sisters Wilderness. A couple of deer were out grazing. Ripe huckleberries continue to distract us from walking.

Due to lack of adequate water were we would have liked it, we had a late lunch. We cooked our dinner for lunch so that if the clouds actually become rain we wouldn’t have to worry about cooking later. And later we would have our lunch for dinner.

With dark clouds gathering we made an earlier than normal camp at Shale Lake. If we passed by here it looks like w would be on steep slopes with no good camping potential for at least another 2 hours, which would mean looking for a campsite well after dark and possibly in the rain. So we stopped here at Shale Lake. We ate our cold lunch made nicer by hot tea and soup and climbed into the tent not long before the soft pitter-patter of raindrops began.

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Clicking on any of these photos will take you to that specific photo on our Flickr Stream, where you can view these and many, many more photos from our latest adventure....or use this shortcut to all photos.....we hope you enjoy them!

People Shots

CDT20101_NMWCWMCDT2010_TheTrailCDT2010_NMWC-1Carrot After a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #3,768Carrot on the Trail stillCarrot takes a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #5.875Carrot on the TrailCliff Dwelling SignCarrot takes a PhotoCarrot Stream Crossing # 2,115

Scenic Shots

CDT2010-valleyCDT2010_yellowflowersCarrot on the Trail 3ScenicPotty BreakScenicCliff Dwelling Stream Vast DesertPrickly Pear 2Prickly PearPlateau at Sunset

Flora & Fauna

CDT2010_treesCDT2010_yellowflowersCDT2010-purpleflowersAngry MarmotFlora 3FloraBeaverButterfly 2FloraButterfly