Day 146 (12 September) - Mile 1994.64 - 2016.94

Unpaved Old Santiam Wagon Road to Meadow at Mile 2016.94

We woke up today with the temperature not too bad, but the wind made it feel cold. Digging a cat hole was definitely a priority when I woke, so I quickly dressed, packed my stuff, and emerged from the tent. Due to my emergent escape from the tent I was ready to hike just after 7:00 AM, however, it took the others the normal amount of time and we were ready to hike by 7:30 AM.

Ready to hike

First stop on today's hike will be a trailhead with a picnic table and a privy just 3.90 miles away. We made it there and was very happy with the table and privy and hung there for a bit. This was a very busy trailhead with many other hikers and many hunters. It seems that Saturday was the start of deer season, so the hunters are out in full force. 

After leaving the trailhead we soon entered Mount Jefferson Wilderness:

Entering Mount Jefferson Wilderness

Then, just 1.15 miles further we hit a huge milestone...2,000 miles!!

Proof I'm standing at PCT mile 2,000

My mile 2,000 pose.

After some celebration and a small break we continued hiking. Today's hike is a bit challenging since it has more climbing than we have had in a while. Today we have to climb over 4,000 feet to reach our campsite for the night. At least we had some amazing views today.

View from the PCT

Share Bear admiring Three Fingered Jack

Mount Jefferson

We stopped for lunch around 1:00 PM. The temperature was still cool and the wind hadn't subsided all day. After eating I was sitting back and noticed two deer emerging from the trees. They continued moving and eating while keeping an eye on me, but didn't seem too concerned. 

Deer sighting

Onward we hiked as Three Fingered Jack got closer:

Self-portrait "Three Fingered Jack"

Much of today went through a 10-year-old burn area. Here is Brad taking a little break:

Brad breaking in burn area

I don't know what lake this is, but WOW!

Beautiful lake

Here is a pretty nice PCT sign:

PCT sign of the day

For some reason, in this area, the mountains seem to get closer and further from us as we hike. Looking back we could see the Sisters fading away, and Mount Jefferson grew larger pretty quick. This photo of Mount Jefferson was taken by a campsite with this tremendous view. It would have been awesome to camp there, but the wind got worse as the day progressed and the spot was up on a shoulder...not good.

Mount Jefferson

Today we planned on camping at like 2017.50, but the notes say this site has an awesome view of Mount Jefferson. We were worried that meant the site was on a saddle as well and would be cold and windy. About one-half mile from there we entered a meadow with some protection from the wind so we decided to stop here instead of risking it. 
As I lay in my tent the sound of the wind is quite prevalent, but it's the cold here that is the real issue. It has to be 40 degrees at most...brrrrrr. 

My hands are very cold as I type this blog, so I am going to have to call it for the night. Until tomorrow...

My home for the night.