Robert Francisco

Destination: Trout Lake Creek
Starting Location: Crest Campground
Today’s Miles: 25.90
Trip Miles: 2168.70
Crest Campground (2206.6, 3470) to Trout Lake Creek (2232.5, 3310) ascent (3264) descent (3219)

Andy & I gave an impromptu hiking class at the urging of a Christian home schooling class that was learning backcountry skills. It was fun fielding questions & the kids were great & showed real interest. As we headed on they insisted that their van, located at the trail head, was open & we were to help ourselves. We all have plenty of food but when they mentioned a box of fresh pears we were hooked. It was a bit odd opening someone’s car & helping our self to their food but the pears were awesome. We stayed around until they returned and talked to the kids some more. Good stuff – good memory.
I finally ate a complete pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in one sitting while we were at Weed’s. 1080 calories of chocolate chip cookie dough. Yum. Not to belabor the food thing but that day was interesting because I did not think much about it. But at 5 pm 3 of us split a large pizza. At 7:30 pm I ate a 4 item combination plate of Mexican food with two baskets of chips, and at 9:00 I ate the ice cream. Oh yea, I am still losing weight.
Been discussing who hikes the trail and we have boiled it down to two primary groups: first, a small group of thru-hikers are what we are calling lifestyle hikers. They are travelers & adventurers & the PCT is another big trip. Swiss Miss falls into this category along with Rita. The other and far larger category is those in transition. From what to what is as varied as imaginable but people in transition are drawn to the trail as nearly everyone out here is figuring out “what next”. Now Andy being a philosophy major, argues that by definition everyone is in transition who is hiking. Thunder & I think that is more of an academic argument & believe we can state “transition” as a very relevant part of many if not most hikers. Some have found the answer & they are making plans to implement. Others are not sure what the question is yet. For me I have confirmed my decision to leave corporate life. Beyond confirmation I am happy to report that I know with perfect clarity that it was the right decision. What next? Not sure exactly but building our new “home” is a priority. Family now takes a top place on my list of important things. Giving back to something that is worth it will also be in my future.

Destination: Crest Campground
Starting Location: Near Road 41
Today’s Miles: 25.30
Trip Miles: 2142.80
Near Road 41 (2180.9, 2982) to Crest Campground (2206.6, 3470) ascent (4508) descent (3963)

84 degrees, 70% humidity, 8 miles, 3100 feet of climbing, 5 days of food, 2 liters of water, drenched in sweat, hammer down 100% for 3 hours at aerobic threshold – yea baby I am back.
Lost Rolling Thunder today. He had some more personal business to attend to and even though we stopped at 6:40 he never made it in. I am not worried about him physically as he is one of the most competent outdoorsman on the PCT, but I am concerned about how he is doing. Life is often complicated, and Thunder is definitely experiencing that.
Some hikers walked the road to Stablers to avoid the big climb and save 13 miles. This required a 20 mile road walk on the shoulder of a busy secondary road. HYOH, but the point of that escapes me.
Lucky Liz & I had a difference of opinion the other day on the phone. I wanted to go back & finish Oregon & she wanted me to make it to a family reunion. We hung up without resolution. Afterwards I told Andy & Thunder that I loved being married to Liz because I knew it would all work out. Later when I called back I told Liz that I knew the reunion was important & I would make it, but before I could finish she said she knew that finishing was important and I should get to the reunion when I get there. When each person compromises because they choose to out of respect for the other’s wishes, you have a recipe for success. Not sure what we will ultimately decide but it will work out for the best and hopefully all competing objectives can be met.

Destination: Near Road 41
Starting Location: Cascade Locks
Today’s Miles: 25.00
Trip Miles: 2117.50
Cascade Locks (2155.6, 200) to Near Road 41 (2180.9, 2982) ascent (6444) descent (3645)

If you want to have a really interesting conversation while hiking 25 miles with a 10,000 foot vertical change, hike with someone who has an undergraduate degree with a double major in Philosophy & Greek History from Bates and a masters in Computer Science from Brown University. We basically solved the worlds’ problems today & when I am king I plan to implement the program immediately. Andy is a really great guy and is one of those scary smart types who is well read and knowledgeable on an amazing suite of topics. Thunder was absent as he had some personal emails to attend to. Then he lucked out and Scott Williamson (yoyo hiker) came into the café. Now we have a really good trail condition update. Scott is doing okay but has an ingrown toenail and is going to Portland to have it removed. I wish him well & hope he makes it.
Speaking of people, the other night we walked until dark to find the only flat spot for miles. When we got there other tents were pitched but they had the thru-hiker look so we set up right next to their tents. In the a.m., I noticed the other tents & gear were super ultra light beyond most thru-hikers. Then I saw 5 Gossamer Gear packs and said good morning to Glen Van Peski (Gossamer Gear founder) & Irish (who we hiked with in Southern California) along with their friends who were hiking Washington & Oregon. Small world on the PCT.
Was thinking about where I got my keep moving forward tendencies. I do not know for sure but I do remember an incident that likely pointed towards the past & the future. When I was a kid, my dad & I would box. This was always a lot of fun until one day when I must have been 12 or 13. We were boxing and things got a bit rough and after being knocked down a few times I got more ticked and more aggressive. Finally as I remember it, he knocked me down hard & told me to stay down. No chance. As I got up, he then took off the gloves and walked away. We never boxed again. A few years later, Private Braggs from Chicago broke my nose after I foolishly but quickly agreed to enter a boxing ring with a golden glove boxer to resolve our differences. My nose broke instantly on the first punch; I was blind with watering eyes & blood but was getting up when he too walked away. I don’t seem to learn real fast.
The forest here is right out of Jurassic Park & finding a campsite devoid of massively thick vegetation was impossible. We are camped on an abandoned jeep road. The ferns, azaleas & hardwood are intertwined and everything not living and some things that are living are covered in moss. We are not in the desert – that’s for sure. But the weather was hot & humid to the point we swam, okay jumped in & out, of Rock Creek to cool off.
The leg is at 80% and that is fantastic. I know for sure that Catholics, Evangelicals, & Jews all put in prayers. We joked I needed a Muslim as well but my Muslim friends are all back in Sacramento and likely do not know I was hurt. Regardless, this is definitely better and I seriously want to thank each of you for your kind words & prayers. Something worked. Oh yea, I kept talking to the mountains as well and they certainly seemed liked they were listening.
Wump, wump, wump. When I looked up a mature bald eagle had come around the corner of Rock Creek with a clear intention of landing on the beach we were on. When he saw us he had to abort quickly & climb out of the canyon. What a bird, but not the best at last minute changes of flight plans.

Destination: Vancouver, WA
Starting Location: Cascade Locks Today’s Miles: 0.00
Trip Miles: 2092.50
Cascade Locks / Vancouver, WA – Zero

Our buddy Weed, who hiked a large section with us in Southern California, picked us up at the Salmon Pub last night and took us to his house. It was great to see Weed again and over food we caught up on our adventures & mutual friends.
The leg is better but I am very timid to put full weight on it. We are taking today off to let it continue to heal. I am also trying to minimize the anti inflammation medication I am taking due to potential negative side effects. “A bleeding GI tract is worse than a sore shin.”
For over a thousand miles we have left snake lines in the trail to let each other (friends) know which way we went at an intersection. These lines help with navigation but more importantly when I was alone and hurting they reminded me of who made the way point & I always smiled and kept going with new inspiration. Some times the snakes had faded but with examination, I always found the faint hint of these friendly lines in the trail.
We took a food drop up to Stablers Store via more support from Weed. This allows us to break up a 7 day section into a 2 and a 5 day trek while taking weight off my leg.
I looked at my origin al schedule & was surprised to see I was in Cascade Locks on my original proposed date. If that holds I could still make Canada before October 1st and hopefully the snow.

Destination: Cascade Locks
Starting Location: N/Huckleberry trail
Today’s Miles: 26.20
Trip Miles: 2092.50

Huckleberry Mt. Trail (2,128.8, 4068) to Cascade Locks (2,155.0, 240) Ascent (2,572) Descent (6,329)
The Eagle Creek Trail alternate route was another trip highlight. We heard it was nice, but our expectations were neutral. Over the course of our journey, we have learned that most things are completely subjective and are based on expectations. Therefore, we try to stay neutral and see how things develop rather than be biased on preconceived notions formulated by others’ experience. When we rounded the corner, Rolling Thunder and I both had a “holly shit” comment and Andy, who was right behind, knew we must be there. The waterfall fell off a perfectly vertical face and was surrounded by ferns that were constantly misted by the spray. The trail was cut out of the vertical wall and actually was tunneled behind the falls. I have seen some beautiful waterfalls before, yet this one, combined with a hike of the PCT is the hands down winner.
Above Indian Springs, I threw my hands into the air and yelled “bring it on!” as I braced against a 60 knot wind with gusts likely over 70 knots. It was wild, Rolling Thunder and I screamed to each other about how awesome the weather was. Our vision was completely blurred as our eyes watered while walking directly into the gale. It’s good to be alive.

Destination: N/Huckleberry trail
Starting Location: Timberline Lodge Today’s Miles: 21.50
Trip Miles: 2066.30
Timberline Loge (2,107.3, 5940) to N/Huckleberry Trail (2,128.8, 4068) Ascent (3,599) Descent (5499)

Timberline Lodge turned out to be a special stop and provided a needed diversion from the realities of recent trail life. We enjoyed a great buffet breakfast and enjoyed pots of coffee served by a staff who were particularly friendly as we grazed for 90 minutes.

Yesterday’s drizzly weather gave way to an absolutely stunning day today. Mount Hood beamed with a dusting of early season snow. We could see as far south as the Three Sisters (likely 100 miles away) and looking north we saw spectacular volcanoes who shapes we have yet to recognize.

Talked to a respected friend today who pointed out that walking 2,650 miles in two seasons is still walking 2,650 miles. He also pointed out that “If I needed to be a hero, he understood that as well.” Given that I cringed at those words I know he hit a cord and realized herodom is a factor. I have often fantasized that by far the best way to go out would be as a hero – even if only in my own mind. I have also feared the idea of living a safe life safe while never really going for it. Sure I have had a lot of professional good fortune, but I can honestly say that I have never really swung for the fence. Rather, I worked really hard and always held some in reserve. This hike is different as I have given it everything I have. If I make it, I will be my own hero because I know I finally swung all the way. If I quit now – today I could not say that. Sure I have given it everything thus far, but unless I am absolutely incapable of continuing it will mean (to me) I checked my swing late in the game. I do not want to do this, I must not do this. There are only two options – make it, or go down swinging. Period. Some family and friends have expressed concerns that regarding “at what price.” I cannot answer that, but I can say we are not there yet.
Camped in a hole next to a spring and boy I am glad we are down low. The wind is blowing a gale in the tree tops a few hundred feet above and the noise is getting pretty intense. Pine needles are blowing into the tent and it sounds like heavy rain falling. Weather is wild and makes me feel alive.

Destination: Timberline Lodge
Starting Location: Slope of Summit Butte
Today’s Miles: 31.20
Trip Miles: 2044.80
Slope of Summit Butte (2076.1, 4291) to Timberline Lodge (2107.3, 5940) ascent (4491) descent (2772)

I thought incorrectly, my shin is not cooperating and it was a tough afternoon both physically & emotionally. Every part of me feels good & I want to hike & yet my leg does not move . . . ugh!#!
Regardless, I made it to Timberline as the sun set over Mt Jefferson & the clouds lifted long enough to see Mt Hood whose beautiful slope I was walking on. The lodge is most impressive and has a timber frame construction that includes the largest timbers I have ever seen in use. The rock work is a masterpiece of masonry talent & the food was really good. We got a great little room with a bunk bed & a sink. The bath is down the hall. We just enjoyed a soak in the hot tub & are taking advantage of the complimentary laundry. I really like this place. Thunder, as usual in town, is on the internet down the hall.

Destination: Slope of Summit Butte
Starting Location: Olallie Lake Resort
Today’s Miles: 23.00
Trip Miles: 2013.6
Olallie Lake Resort (2053.1, 4950) to Slope of Summit Butte (2076.1, 4291) ascent (2631) descent (3327)

Sore but it feels different. Limping but it feels different. Frustrating but it feels different. I think my shin may be showing some signs of healing.
Hiked with Andy, Token Civilian, & Thunder. Good lively conversation about a viable 3rd political party option as well as artificial intelligence – where it is and where it is going.
Well it is official I am no longer hiking a contiguous hike along the PCT between Mexico and Canada. Two forest fires have made that quest impossible for me and I had to postpone hiking 63.6 miles of trail between McKenzie Pass & Olallie Lake Resort. My option was a 90 mile road walk. I contemplated this option with the silly reasoning that my hike was less pure if I went around & then came back. Fortunately two friends pointed out two very important facts. Gottago: You wrote the rule; rewrite it to fit the circumstance. Crazy Horse: Are you crazy man? Roads are for cars. So dad drove us the 90 miles to get around the absolutely closed & likely dangerous fires. I now plan to continue on to Canada & hike the missed section on my way home. I was very disappointed in this approach until we started hiking today. Then it hit me – just another part of this year’s hike. For convenient logistical purposes, I am going to stay with the data book mileages as the miles we have traveled. If you don’t like that, you can do the math yourself each time by subtracting 63.6 miles from my total miles logged. I mentioned to Numskull that the Canadian Monument will likely be anticlimactic now that I would not be truly done. He also gave me that “are you crazy” look and I realized yes I am. I put these insane demands on myself & then I have to do it perfect or it does not count for anything. Regardless of the fact that the damn forest is closed & just a bit beyond my infinite control. I love being a type A personality. The A really is for anal. How ridiculous can you get – anticlimactic after hiking 2,650 miles less 63.6 of course.
Quote of the day: Andy – what do you do in your other life go-BIG? go-BIG: I am a bum. Andy: Cool, we are in the same line of work. A 43 year old retired consultant and a 33 year old retired software engineer. Write your own rules in life and change them whenever you want. If I go back to work am I still retired? Who cares, for now I am a bum and having the time of my life.
Dad said he did not understand my journal entry that had a bread recipe. There is nothing to understand dad. Some great people shared a family bread recipe with me & I in turn shared it with you. No hidden meaning but the answer to all of life’s questions is still trout.

?

Destination: McKenzie Highway
Starting Location: Glacier Way Trail Today’s Miles: 10.50
Trip Miles: 1990.60
Glacier Way Trail (1979, 6370) to McKenzie Highway (1989.5, 5280) ascent (1729) descent (2806)

A friend in need is a friend indeed. I am a lucky man who is blessed with friends. First, I looked up & saw dad waving from the volcanic rock of McKenzie Pass. A 10 hour road trip from Sacramento designed to take me home or take me around the fires. Man it was good to see you pop. Second, I walked into the Sister’s library and there sat my buddy Rolling Thunder. He had delayed his trip back onto the trail after a trip to see a friend. He had waited for me & said he was willing to go slow for a bit until I healed. With a dad and a friend like that how could any part of this trip be a failure.
Walked to the pass with Twisted Sister. What a wonderful person. I continue to be so impressed with the quality of the people hiking the trail. And you don’t have to deal with all the society dos & don’ts in conversation. We just started right in talking about what was important to us as individuals, community & society.
One hiker hitched to Santiam and hiked back to McKenzie. BIG MISTAKE. Fire, smoke, fire, smoke and a cross country trek across a lava field to avoid the danger.
Speaking of the fire closure. I earlier complimented the Klamath National Forest on their excellent public communication and outreach regarding fires on their forest. I now want to criticize the Deschutes National Forest for a lack of effort regarding timely & specific information regarding fire closures. I can not express strongly enough the differences between the same agencies response to identical situations.
Lots of hikers in town trying to figure out options regarding the closures. Again the Deschutes NF was of no help. We saw: Dirty Bird, Numskull, Crazy Horse, Haiku, Tree Hugger, Token Civilian, Original Andy and others I do not know.
Unbelievable – when I saw Dirty Bird & Numskull the first thing they mentioned was that at 9 pm on Etna Summit a truck pulling a trailer pulled over and offered them a ride. You bet, it was Dick Shit and he told them how the first hiker he had ever picked up was go-BIG and now he picks them all up. I knew it – the honey dipper trail angel hauling shit and hikers to & from Etna.

Destination: Glacier Way Trail
Starting Location: Sisters Mirror Lake
Today’s Miles: 14.70
Trip Miles: 1980.10
Sisters Mirror Lake (1664.3, 5980) to Glacier Way Trail (1979.0, 6370) ascent (2153) descent (1693)

As is often the case sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. I am hopeful that last evening was one of those times. When I woke up I had very little leg pain and for the first time in 8 days it is clear that this is an inflammation (of what who knows) injury. The anti-inflammatory had reduced the swelling significantly overnight and by taking it slow and stopping early I was able to keep the pain to a manageable level. At one point I was admiring middle Sister (mountain) and I said “okay it’s up to you, help me through your wilderness”. I laughed at myself for talking to a mountain, but I felt better almost immediately & I had an overwhelming sense that everything would work out.
The rules of the road in hiking are pretty simple. Uphill hikers have the right of way, warn someone if coming from behind as to not startle them . . so as I was working my way up a pretty good climb I figured I would keep moving even though there were hikers coming down. Then on second thought I figured I could use a rest and so I pulled over. The woman gave me a half smile and the guy just looked at his feet and kept walking. This struck me as odd & unfortunate. We are so into our own worlds that we do not even take the time to thank someone who has offered a simple courtesy. I have been noticing this a lot lately and have also noticed that the trail is having an opposite effect on me. I am so grateful for the help I have received that I find myself saying thank you every time I get a refill on coffee or water. I like this. Recognizing each other with courtesies is a way to connect with people at a very basic level. And the argument that it is a server’s job to refill coffee and thus you do not need to say thanks is a bunch of crap. You should be more civil to each other; it makes the world a much friendlier place. I said “you’re welcome” to myself after they passed & I am 100% sure I felt better about the non-encounter than they did.
The Three Sisters Wilderness is a remarkably beautiful place and it has that wilderness or wild feel to it. Before stopping for the evening I walked along a ridge covered in obsidian (volcanic glass). This had to have been an early tool makers dream location. I picked up many pieces & examined them for potential uses. A projectile point, a scraping tool, a knife. Some was imbedded in outcroppings the size of cars and some was pea size but reflected much light regardless.
Forget what I said about the trees being smaller. I am camped amongst a group of giants – 4 feet in diameter and 200+ feet tall. I look up their long bodies and try to detect where they first bend in the steady breeze. The tops move, the bottoms do not and somewhere in between is a transition but you can not see it.
I have taken to setting up my shelter every night even though the weather is perfect. I have found that I sleep better inside my tent. I think this is largely a function of keeping the bugs away. Between mosquitoes, flies, ants, spiders, bees, moths, caterpillars & amphibians there are a lot of things that crawl & fly around at night. Like now for example. I am enjoying a lovely late afternoon/evening in my tent & I just counted 22 creatures of different makes & models trying to access my world – sorry we are closed.

?