August 28, 2017
~Mile 1953 to Bend (~Mile 1983 on trail)
30 miles into the road walk
Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike: Day 115

Started the day walking by the beautiful Devil’s Lake. While on the Cascade Lakes scenic highway (approximately 15 miles), we had a beautiful walk without shade and with very sore feet from pounding the pavement. Three cars pulled over to ask if we wanted a ride into Bend, and of course we had to decline.

It was nearing the heat of the day and I checked google maps to search for a lower traffic, shadier route and, to my surprise, there was one with forest roads all the way into Bend!

The forest roads were fine, silty sand, lumpy jeep road and hard pavement, but there was no traffic. There was also no water, so luckily we ran into some eclipsters who had a 5-gallon jug. Further into town, we tried an elementary school for more water, and ended up not getting any until the Shell gas station from a vending machine. This time walking into Bend instead of getting a ride felt a little different. There were more unfriendly faces filled with sideways glances.

We met Corey’s parents at Chipotle and they PAID! So generous. So unexpected. They also convinced us to stay with them. We used the Camry to go to Market of Choice and Bonta gelato before coming home, showering, and having a good night’s rest in a BED!