Ch. 111 – Love Is Blind & Lounging

My body’s natural alarm clock went off at 6:30 this morning, but my brain knew to hit the snooze button. Checkout time wasn’t until noon, so Boostie and I planned to take our sweet, sweet time. I did finally get up around 9:30 to head down to the therapy pool.

The resort had a huge pool that was actually a hot tub, and a hot-tub-sized cold plunge next to it. The hot tub had the water from the natural hot springs in it, so I hoped all the minerals and such might help my calf at least a little. Boostie joined me soon after I got down there. Together, we moved back and forth from the hot tub to the cold plunge. I fully dunked into the cold plunge, while Boostie only got his legs in. Guess being born and raised in the Midwest has provided me with some super powers, eh?

Once checkout time came, we headed to the nearby restaurant for brunch. I had coffee and chicken fried steak. As we ate, I tried to figure out a ride and accommodations for the night. If possible, we hoped to get to Trout Lake tonight, that way we can reconnect easier with Frodo tomorrow morning. I just wasn’t sure we could make that happen, though.

In Carson, we knew Uber and Lyft couldn’t get us anywhere. The bus didn’t go to Trout Lake, but could get us part way. Hitching would be a nightmare. Then, I remembered – we know someone that knows someone from near here. I made some texts and within thirty minutes, we had a ride secured!

A couple at the restaurant gave us a ride to the brewery, where we met the couple that took us from Carson to Trout Lake. Boostie and I had a couple drinks, and when the couple arrived to take us to Trout Lake, they covered our bill. They were so kind! It was lovely to chat with them the whole way to Trout Lake. They make regular visits to where we live, so hopefully we get to see them again, eventually!

In Trout Lake, Jonah Camp is the place to stay. Bunks in the basement, showers, laundry, the works. I finally got to hang out with some other women, which has been a rarity on this trail compared to the Appalachian Trail. We watched Love is Blind together while Boostie and some of the others played pool and other games.

Where’s Waldo?

Everyone decided to play cards to end the evening, but I don’t really do cards. Instead, I began to plan out our roadtrip home from the PCT. I can’t believe how little time we have left! Many people are ending at Cascade Locks, but we thankfully got through there while the smoke wasn’t too bad. We will still have to stop earlier than we’d like due to other wildfires and trail closures, but I think we’re both ready to head home. Both of us have learned how deep our love for the east coast is while we’ve been out here, and we’re ready to be back on it.

I’m looking forward to run club and book club at Pelagic Beer & Wine in Raleigh, and to crocheting all of the projects I’ve dreamed of while hiking, and to having an income again. This adventure has been wonderful, but I think both of us are ready for a calm, relaxed autumn back home.