Day 91 - Ashland

Wednesday July 15

A town day is so energizing and at the same time worrisome. I love getting clean and enjoying town food. On the other hand, there is the uncertainty about getting to town and finding a place to stay. Perhaps that is why I couldn't sleep very well last night. 

I ended up last night stealth camping in the woods because I couldn't find an established campsite along the trail. It was windy until dark and then calm but cool. I had to wear my wool cap and my down jacket. I also had to set up my tent because it was wet from dew from this morning. During the night I heard snapping branches and chewing sounds near my tent. Perhaps because it was so quiet that I heard all of these noises. 

I was on the trail at 5:15. It was easy hiking and I got to see a ruby-red sunrise. I didn't know it, but I have been traveling in the Rogue River National Forest. The Rogue River flows by the town of Gold Beach, the city where I was born. I also got a nice view of Mount Shasta.

I caught up with Windscreen and we hiked together for the morning. We reached the highway at 8 AM, and walked to Callihan's resort. Waiting there was Caboose and Cut-Finger. They were trying to hitchhike into Ashland, but there was very little traffic. Cut-Finger called the taxi shuttle and we all got a ride to town for $18. By the way, I heard that Willie was staying at Callihan's. Hmmm. 

In town, we all decided to have breakfast at the Morning Glory restaurant. The breakfast was fantastic. I had a sausage omelette with spinach and cheese.

I checked in at the Ashland Motel which was next door to the restaurant. I did my laundry and showered. I called my son Paul, who plans to fly down with his friend Nick to Crater Lake to meet me on Monday afternoon. That should be exciting! I really look forward to it! I just have to average 25 miles a day to get there on time!

This afternoon I walked to the local sports supplier and bought food, sun gloves, and sunglasses. My sunglasses broke last night, and my sun gloves were starting to fall apart.  

I also got snacks at the local grocery store. Dinner was at the Mexican restaurant just up the street. The burrito and beers hit the spot. 

Tomorrow will truly be a day of rest. My feet will appreciate it! 

I have been looking for a barber shop, but I can't find one, unless I want to go to a hair salon. I guess I'll just have to use a razor and my scissors to try to trim (hack at) my unruly beard!

I am currently at PCT mile 1726.5.