Ran into a guy on the PCT who changed my whole plan

I was dead set on doing the whole Oregon section in one go, but this older hiker at Timberline Lodge told me he splits it at Olallie Lake every time. He said, 'The view from the ridge after that lake is worth a fresh start.' I cut my trip short there and he was totally right. Anyone else have a spot they always break a long trail at?

3 comments

3 Comments

brianreed11d ago

Ever try to push through a section when your legs are just done? I did that once on the AT, ignored a perfect camping spot to hit some random mileage goal. Ended up hiking the last two hours in the dark, totally miserable, and I swear my backpack was laughing at me. Now I always break at the shelter just past Max Patch, no matter what my plan says. Sometimes the trail gives you a gift, like that view, and you gotta be smart enough to take it lol.

viola_lopez3011d ago

Wait your backpack was laughing at you? That's a whole new level of trail misery right there lmao. Mine just feels heavier, but I've never heard it cackle. That's when you know you're really broken, when your own gear turns on you. Gotta listen to those perfect spots, man.

rowanhernandez11d ago

Got a similar story about ignoring good advice. Met a guy in the Tetons who said to skip the main trail for a side creek to camp, and I brushed him off. Worst mosquito night of my life, felt like what @brianreed described with his backpack laughing. Now I always listen to the old guys at trailheads.