Saturday, Septemeber 15th.

Saturday, September 15th: Todays miles = 18.5. Total PCT miles = 2,111.5.

I slept in. I guess I can't really call it sleeping in at this point because you have to normally wake up earlier to consider it sleeping in. After my late wake up I got distracted in talking to a man named 'Twice' who was out for a section. He got his named because he cycled across the country...twice! He was headed Sobo (Southbound) on the trail and had information about water sources and such. I wasn't hiking until almost 10am. I got to Timberline Lodge at the base of Mt. Hood in time to catch the lunch buffet. It was a horrible idea. It was rather pricy and I felt compelled to get my moneys worth. I ate myself sick...very sick. I'm still recovering 7 hours later. I went into a food coma and didn't leave the lodge until after 5pm, hence the low mileage day.

The hike out of the lodge was beautiful, though. I would have enjoyed it more if I didn't have to stop every few minutes because of stomach pain. The trail went right next to Mt. Hood with a view of the peak almost the entire time. I am camped on the side of a cliff tonight...literally. I keep hearing a rock slide. Its either the bear I saw a mile ago trying to climb up the mountain or some other animal. By the sounds of it, its not doing a very good job.