Day 117, Big Lake Youth Camp

Part 4, Oregon, Day 117

Big Lake Youth Camp

Miles: 20.48

Total Miles: 1996.68

It was really windy last night. I'm glad my tent didn't tear apart. I woke up at 5am and was hiking by 6:30am. I rain proofed my pack since the sky was dark with rain clouds. 

When I got to the junction for Lava Lake Camp, I saw this sign:

As tempting as this was, only a half mile off trail, it seemed to early at 7am, plus I was trying to push in case it rained. 

Here's the North and Middle Sisters behind me:

I came to Mekenzie Pass and crossed the highway.

I entered a new wilderness.

This is where the trail became very tough. 

I had to walk uphill on sharp and loose lava rock for many miles. 

This trail really slowed me down. I was also very tired. My body ached and I felt slightly sick. Too much sun yesterday for sure. I put my head down and trudged on.

I began to get great views of Mt. Washington, hiking right under it. 

This part was a double whammy of bullshit; lava rock through a burn zone.

The trail finally leveled out and became more agreeable. I was so exhausted from hiking for 4 months that I had to take a few breaks.

Here is my best view of Mt. Washington.

I was close to my destination, but the last mile, as it usually does, dragged on forever.

I reached the 1 mile side trail to Big Lake Youth Camp. 

I arrived to this sign.

This camp is an Adventist Christian Summer Camp for teens. I made sure to be on my best behavior, even though I looked like a hobo.

I went to the lodge and picked up my resupply box. The staff was so kind and helpful. They offered a hiker area, showers, laundry, and even lunch, all for free! My guidebook says to give a donation, so I kicked down a few bucks.

I saw Tex and we walked down to the cafeteria. The many youths and parents running around seemed oblivious to our presence. 

We joined the older teen counsellors for a cafeteria style lunch of leftover food. Precious, delicious leftovers. 

It's all vegetarian food to shelter the kids from obesity. That's pest pasta under my pizza. There was a ton of food, so we went back for much more. 

Afterwards, I checked out the lake. 

They had a blob! I immediately became jealous of the campers. 

I went and organized my food with Tex and a few other hikers in our little hiker area. 

I mentioned to Tex that with all the bland brown buildings around and the constant loudspeaker announcements, this ace reminded me of a cult. Tex quickly told me to not say the word "cult" in a place like this. It's like saying "bomb" on an airplane! But all joking aside, this camp was beyond gracious to us hikers. I took a shower (cold) and prepared to leave.

I came to this old dirt road, that I guess is an old wagon road.

I was on the trail for 50 feet when I saw a few hikers gathered near the woods. That can only mean two things. A dead body, or....trail magic!!

This was fresh magic. Cold and good beer. 

What a day of trail magic. I hiked on after a few beers with the others. 

I stopped and got water.

It was late so I camped right near the trail.

It feels like a storm is coming. I'd like to give a huge shout out to Big Lake Youth Camp for being awesome and showing lots of love to PCT hikers. They almost converted me! 

-g' night!