Trail Angel Training Hikes

With all the PCT blog postings ... we just couldn't miss an opportunity to hike a section near our home in Portland today. We saw this as an opportunity to train ourselves to carry heavier loads as well as test some gear.

Before we headed out I updated HalfMile's iPhone App, loaded up my pack with simulated apple weight (this is the training part), grabbed a pair of new Darn Tough socks I've been wanting to test, and hit the PCT SoBo from Cascade Locks with some friends from the Cascadia Women's Mountain Group.

Everything worked out well, except the electronics. Just like last year, I have to go through the basics again. Last year I remembered using the app to locate potential campsite and water caches, this year I can't seem to see that. I need to do more research, but I think I must be doing something wrong. No worries today, I was on a section of the trail I know well.

Many of the PCT hikers take the Eagle Creek Alternate from Whatum Lake, experiencing one of the most beautiful trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Unfortunately they miss this beautiful section of trail with its views of the river, waterfalls and pinnacles.

Tomorrow, we hike from Cascade Locks to the Greenleaf overlook with heavier packs ... apples weigh a lot ya know!