Campsite at mile 1970 to Bend via McKenzie Pass (mile 1984)
I am grateful for No Chello, a fellow thru hiker who we met this morning and is currently entertaining us with stories from his life in Hawaii as we pick our way across the razor sharp volcanic rocks. He and Starman talk motorcycles and then slide effortlessly into a discussion of the highs and lows of what it’s like to be a white guy and a sushi chef, then it’s on to trading stories about drunken college shenanigans. No Chello responds to most things with either yeah! (excited) or yeah? (tell me more), and has a seemingly endless stream of funny stories and weird life experiences. We pull off the trail to allow a southbound hiker pass and No Chello greets then in rapid Japanese while Starman and I stand in mute astonishment listening to their exchange. So apparently he also speaks some Japanese, good to know.
At the road we part ways. No Chello is pushing 30’s through Oregon in an effort to finish his hike early, and we’re heading into town for a few days of rest. I watch him cross the road and soon his blue shirt is lost behind a swell of red-brown rock and he’s gone. Goodbye nice stranger, I think, maybe we’ll meet again, but if not thank you for the hours of good conversation. Happy trails.
Fun to read this while on the side of Grey’s Peak, you inspired us to hike more 😂💕
Glad I could help ❤️
I look forward to reading your posts each day, Kara. Lucky for you, it saves you the hassle of attempting to summarize your entire hike into a socially appropriate length of time when we see you in September! 😉 (I’m sure you’ll be asked one trillion times about your summer!)
Thanks Rebecca! I think I’ll have to come up with a 30 second summary for after the trail 😂
I’m in Bend / Sisters!
Need anything?
Thank you so much for the offer! We’ve already left, but that’s so nice of you.