Day 120, Deep Forest

Part 4, Oregon, Day 120

Deep Forest

Miles: 30.19

Total Miles: 2073.1

Today was a bit different than previous days. I had no views, but I had an awesome forest hike. Usually, hiking all day in tree cover becomes monotonous, but today was pretty sweet.

I slept so hard last night. I needed it. I had crazy dreams. I woke up to the sound of snoring hikers. I hate sleeping around others because I wake up early and I don't like to wake them. I packed up quietly and was hiking by 6:45. 

The trail was mellow today and mostly flat. I was making good miles. 

The iPhone camera has a hard time capturing the forest because of all the light being scattered, so I'm trying to learn how to photograph it better. 

At first I was pretty bored with this trail today. I kept hoping that some view was beyond the next corner, but there was only more trees. I did walk through a burn/clear cut area. This was not pretty. 

There's really not much to comment on this morning. Business as usual. Below is the one time the trail opened up.

I saw zero northbound thru hikers today, and very few people in general. 

I saw this water source and decided to pass on it. I'm far too lazy to filter water these days, and this didn't meet my no filter standards. 

I crossed many dirt roads today. Sometimes I wonder where they go. Mostly, I wonder what dirt is made out of... This road had a helpful arrow pointing towards the trail.

In the afternoon, the forest started to get very pretty.

Here's a pic of me being flabbergasted:

I was crushing the miles today. As the forest became deeper and darker, the trees and moss shined with a deep earthy green.

I entered a long awaited forest!

This forest was very fancy; there were signs all over the place.

I passed a paved forest service road.

Here's where I'm going, in case you missed it:

I arrived at my water source for the evening. 

It looked gross, but after nearly 30 miles I was not choosy. I gulped a liter without filtering.

If I get Giardia, it's from here:

A mile later, I found a cold and clear water spring. The water was spectacular. I dumped the green algae water and loaded up on the good stuff.

I saw Timothy Lake through the trees and found a camp spot right near the lake above a beach. This is such a beautiful place. 

Of course, I watched the sunset.

There is some serious beauty going on here. 

One more.

Until tomorrow...