August 30th
This morning it was still dark at 6am. The days are getting shorter from both sides now. Our tent had a heavy dew even though we set it up in a well ventilated, higher ground area.
The connecting trail to Eagle Creek was very steep, as well as longer than expected. So our travel was slower than expected. We are glad we didn’t try to do it last night.
The Eagle Creek trail is stunning, definitely a highlight of the entire PCT. The waterfalls are stunning, perhaps running slightly higher because of the recent rains. The trail passes behind one waterfall at “Tunnel” falls and the effect is truly amazing.
We start to see lots of day hikers and ovenighters, which is especially surprising for a Monday. But this is a popular area and the crowd grows as we get closer to the trailhead.
We arrived in the town of Cascade Locks at about 2pm-ish having covered a little over 16 miles in about 6 1/2 hours. Thoughts of town food keep us moving fast.
At the Post Office we learned from the register that, due to foot problems, Radar is off the trail and that Phoenix has also ended his hike.
We scurry around to get all our chores done and enjoy pizza at the “Salmon Row Pub”. Cascade Locks brings back special memories and we consider this pub as “our” place. Ten years ago when the Carrot and our mutual friend John joined me at Timberine to hike around Mt Hood they finished their section here at Cascade Locks and we had celebratory beers and pizza right here. And went our separate ways uncertain of the future. It is good to be back and it is good to have more certain plans this time.
