At Taylor Lake, mile 1928

Today was a wonderful way to get going. My first destination was Charlton Lake 1923. The water was lovely greens and blues, and the temperature was perfect. I took some time to soak my feet…too bad I didn’t take time for a swim!

Turns out this is a car camping destination. It was a bit jarring to see vehicles, and hear them up and down the forest road. But it wasn’t as crowded as it might have been. I hear tell that Waldo is a mob scene.

After relaxing and nomming at Charlton, I headed up the trail to Taylor Lake 1928. This was 17 miles for the day, which matches my personal best from last summer. I’m not pulling the thru hiker miles, for sure! I’m hoping to do my first 20, probably later this trip.

I saw my first blowdowns today. Oregon was slammed this winter, and the number of blowdowns is shocking. I heard it’s even worse in the southern half of the state (I’ve started almost exactly in the middle). The blowdowns were in the middle of an old burn, on top of a ridge. Guess I’d better get used to it.

The mosquitoes are starting to make their presence known. It’s not bad, just a pain in the butt. Nothing that picaridin and a head net can’t deal with, though.