(Note: WordPress, my blog’s platform, detected that I was able to use it flawlessly. Immediately upon this discovery they implemented several key changes to make sure I could no longer enjoy the product I paid for. I am trying this workaround until I can get a PhD in computer science. )
I was groggy getting up, but the temporary absence of mosquitoes made things better. So, too, did the nearby pit toilet, a true luxury.
Exhibiting the flawless teamwork rarely seen outside a NASCAR pit crew, we packed up and were within 30 minutes of our targeted start time.
We spent most of the day going around the western and southern sides of Mt. Jefferson. There were a few snow fields to conquer, but nothing that required an ice axe.
As the day heated up, we slogged through a relatively recent burn area. One interesting sight was where an avalanche had pushed rocks and dead trees across the trail and 30′ up a side slope.
At the peak of the heat, Brad came across a small mountain pond. Without hesitation, he dropped his pack, got down to his shorts and went in to the little lake. It didn’t take Cole and Josh long to get the idea. The little oasis had vegetation and a persistent group of swallows that would do their acrobatics. Quite a contrast to the gray and brown of the surrounding burnt forest.
The late afternoon and evening had us doing another long climb, starting at Milk Creek. I regretted not tanking up on more water. After a few hours of switchbacks I was out of water and thirsty. Finally, we crossed a tiny but cold trickle and that was perfect.
Brad and Josh cruised ahead while Cole and I plodded. Close to sunset, Josh and Brad had scouted out a great tent site not listed on the maps. It reminded me of the story I heard about how the Oregon town of Dufur (pronounced "dew fur") got its name. Supposedly some pioneers on a wagon train stopped on the eastern side of the Cascades en route to the lush, deep-soiled Willamette Valley. One of the pioneers asked the leader why they were stopped. Allegedly, the leader said "This’ll do for now" and thus the name.
It was a great campsite, everybody was tired but happy. Except for the bugs, we would’ve cowboy camped. To his credit, Josh did get up in the middle of the night and took some great photos of the stars.
backpacking over the hill 