First, a bit about the progress that Madelynn has made in the past month. In early July she was near Mount Shasta, California, where the PCT starts to head West to follow the crest, before looping around to the East, crossing the state border and heading down into Ashland, Oregon. By the 15th of July Madelynn was in Ashland where I met her and her trail family. We spent a few days in town before heading back on trail, hiking 5 days to Crater Lake, where I said goodbye and she continued on. Two weeks later, Madelynn was in Bend, Oregon, where her mom picked her up, spent one night on trail with her, and then drove her home to Seattle for one of her best friend's wedding. After spending a few busy days in town, I drove her back down to Willamette pass, just East of Eugene, Oregon. In the past week, she has been making quick and steady progress towards Mount Hood which is very near the Washington-Oregon border!

Madelynn has talked a lot about the many amazing lakes throughout Northern California and Oregon. It has been hot and the lakes provide an opportunity to swim and fill up her water bottles. I got to see Crater Lake with Madelynn, and we even went for a swim at sunset. It was incredibly beautiful and I felt so lucky to be there with her. 

There have also been many sections of the trail that travel through zones burned by forest fires. These areas can be difficult because there is no shade from the sun and many trees fall over the trail, slowing the pace. However, the lack of trees also provides for beautiful views and sometimes a better breeze which keeps the bugs at bay.

That is all for now! I will try to be more consistent with my two weeks updates for the next month and a half as Madelynn enters Washington.