Day 126 - Mt. Jefferson, Milk Creek and #2 Campsite on the PCT. 2033.4 (21.1)

Kevin Silvernale May 14, 2017

Walking through the Mt. Jefferson area was quite the surprise. Most thru-hikers talked about walking 30+ miles per day through Oregon, but it was days like today I was happy hiking around 20. With plenty of time, I relaxed at Milk Creek for lunch, with an amazing view and the white noise of water rushing downhill, it was a wonderful place to wait out the heat of the day.

There was a intense uphill at the end of the day which led me to a campsite (size for 1 tent) which was the #2 in terms of my favorite campsites on the PCT. Sitting up on a ridge, it provided the first good view of Mt. Hood and the final incredible view of Mt. Jefferson. Combine that with a cloudless sunset, warm temperatures, little to no wind and I was left with the recipe for a spectacular campsite.

Caution: Video Audio Is Loud!

Day 125 - Big Lake Youth Camp, Mile 2000 and Three Finger Jack. 2012.3 (20.9)

Kevin Silvernale May 12, 2017

I remember passing the 100, 500 and 1000 mile points. Each coming with their own sense of accomplishment. But 2000 miles in my mind was unfathomable... even as I stood next to the very point that said I had walked the distance, I couldn't believe it. That's walking 100 miles 20 times, or 500 miles 4 times or 1000 miles twice! With that comes a mental challenge; I would say it is the mental challenge that was the most difficult for backpackers to overcome. There are not a whole lot of dirt paths in the world that allow you to travel 2000 miles... and I found it to be a very special thing.