Week 13: Home Stretch

From whites pass to the Columbia river. I have decided to end my hike this summer at Cascade Locks (the northern end of oregon). It feels right and I am looking forward to being home and pursuing things in “normal” life. This week has been an absolute treat, the goat peaks wilderness is incredible and helped remind me of my love of being above tree line. I just feel comfortable and at peace way up there. I hope the photos ive included can help you picture the peacefulness of being up there. As I was leaving the peaks I quickly found myself dealing with wildfire smoke, something I had tried to avoid by getting off trail and waiting. It wasn’t all that bad, only one night with ash on the tent/ground around me. I did have a headache for a couple days straight though which wasn’t much fun at all. Got through it :) One good thing the smoke does is add a fun coloring to everything, like a filter on a picture. One other really cool thing about this section is this is where I met almost all of the people I had previously hiked with. while we couldn’t hike together again (going opposite directions) we would pause for a snack break or lunch and catch up. So many wonderful people and friends. Thankful for each and every one of them. As I wrap up the trail for the summer I’d like to express just how thankful I am for the entire experience, so many good memories, so many cool people met, so many things learned. I have grown immensely I think and I’m thankful for everything the trail has provided.