PCT SOBO DAY 47 – Swimming within the Deepest Lake within the USA

Day 47

Start: Stealthsite, mile 809.7, 6:52am

End: Crater Lake Lodge, on alternate 

Miles hiked: 14.5 miles

 

Today was going to be a day stuffed with enjoyable in Crater Lake, however first I needed to get to the rim. As I broke camp and began mountain climbing, my sore leg ached. However, after a couple of minutes of motion, I left my hobble behind and will stroll correctly. The path this morning was comparatively flat with only some small ups and downs. I didn’t have far to the rim, so I hoped that I might get a hitch to Crater Lake Lodge and make it there in time for breakfast.

The climb as much as the rim was a little bit steep and made a bit tougher with my leg, however as I climbed, the small peaks and valleys making up Oregon’s wilderness got here into view. A skinny layer of smoke blanketed the tops of the mountains. I might see a small hearth within the distance, however it appeared prefer it was almost extinguished.

As I reached the highest, I appeared over the rim and there it was: Crater Lake! The water was a deep, clear blue that glistened within the daylight. The mushy wind carved out stripes on the floor of the water whereas the rim itself appeared to defend and shield the lake from the remainder of nature. It was an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

At the point of view, I attempted my finest to hitch, however automobiles regularly handed me by. Breakfast can be over in about quarter-hour, so I made a decision to surrender and simply preserve strolling. Along the way in which, I finished at a couple of viewpoints, however my thoughts was set on reaching meals!

Around lunchtime, I lastly arrived on the lodge. The restaurant was bustling and full, however I used to be in a position to order meals to eat within the lounge space with out ready for a desk. As I used to be sitting and ready for my burger, somebody tapped me on the shoulder. It was Sun! We’d been planning to fulfill right here, however I assumed he was a couple of extra miles behind me. Turns out, he’d gotten a hitch the place I’d tried earlier and noticed me as I walked to the lodge.

A pair extra SOBOs joined us and we ate lunch whereas we made our plan for the day. We determined to hitch to the opposite facet of the rim and head to Cleetwood Cove, the place we might entry the lake and go for a swim. Apparently, that is the final yr the path to entry the water shall be open for a couple of years. Might as properly make the most of the lake whereas we will!

It didn’t take lengthy for Sun and I to get a hitch. The path right down to the lake was lots steeper than I anticipated, however once we lastly reached the rocky shore of the lake, it was completely definitely worth the effort. There had been so many individuals unfold out all alongside the massive rocks, having fun with their time within the water and solar. We went down the shore a little bit and located the right spot.

It took me a little bit time to get totally submerged within the water, however once I did, I felt like I used to be on the seaside. The water wasn’t too chilly and the waves weren’t too massive. It was truthfully excellent. My wasp sting felt significantly better when it was submerged within the cool water and the swelling went down as time went on. Sun and I spent a few hours there, having fun with the water and solar earlier than mountain climbing again as much as the rim and getting a hitch again to the lodge.

Our plan was to have dinner there, however after ready 1.5 hours and seeing how backed up they had been, it didn’t look like it was going to occur. Still, we had been in a position to seize some meals and catch the sundown earlier than heading off to sleep.

And that’s a day within the lifetime of a PCT SOBO hiker!

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