Rock Creek (mile 2166) to Cascade Locks (2147)
Starman wants to know if I’m down to take this random alternate he’s found. We’re resting at the last water source of the day, watching a small frog go about it’s froggy business along the rocks of the creek. Starman elaborates that the alternate is the same length as the PCT, but follows a ridge down to the road, instead of winding through the trees. I am easily persuaded. The forest is a damp humid tree scape and while this alternate doesn’t guarantee anything better, at least it’s novel. I know exactly what I’m going to get following the PCT, so even if this alternate is a dud, it’s no worse than the official route. I am so bored and frustrated from 80 miles of trees and fire smoke that I think even if this is a disaster I’ll at least get an interesting story out of it. And disaster is a real possibility, as we veer down a small use trail which is overgrown and covered in forest litter.
The new trail oscillates between nearly overgrown and well worn dirt road before breaking into a power line clear cut. We are thrust from the dark forest into the bright sun, hedged in on both sides by tall bushes. Tall bushes covered in perfectly ripe blackberries! Warm from the sun and eager to plop into your hand at the lightest tug. All urgency to get to town is forgotten. I’m going to fill my small bottle with berries. Starman says he’s going to fill an entire liter bottle.
We meander down the hill until we can neither carry nor eat another berry. The berry bushes flank the long dirt lane well after merging into a neighborhood road. Along the way we find wild growing apple and pear trees. Entertaining ourselves by dreaming up elaborate blackberry recipes.
Great find! And you were wondering how to get fresh fruit and veggies on the trail – apparently the trail provides for those adventurous enough to take the alternate route. Even without the fruit that route got you out of the trees for a while.
Amazing adventure, thanks for sharing.
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