On the trail at 7 today. I’m getting back into the rythm of waking earlier. Today’s walk was same as yesterday. Mostly burned out areas of the forest. Didn’t take too many pictures, just wanted to get some miles in. Saw a couple of southbound section hikers and that was it. I did the whole day on 4 liters of water which is remarkable. I was dry when I hit the Mazama village intersection, but well hydrated.

Rolled into Mazama village around 4. I was reading comments on the Guthook app about this place and they were not very positive. I can confirm them. First thing I did was talk to a few local workers taking a break who gave me bullshit information about the PCT campsite there. They said it was closed due to tree fall. Next I went into the store and found it had almost nothing a hiker needs to resupply (not that I needed much since I’m packed for 6 days). The most outrageous omission was any kind of cheap beer or takeout sandwiches.

While browsing the camp store, I notice lots of fresh smelling, put-together people buying stuff. Then I took a look at the parking lot…all expense cars. So then it hit me, this place is near crater lake and probably just want to cater to city people. I found a gal at the checkout who finally told me where the location of the PCT area in the campsite. “I’m not supposed to tell you where it is” then pointed it out to me on the map. Jeez. Bought my Poweraid and left.

At the PCT site there were about 6 or 7 tents setup. Couple of young gals there and a guy. They showed me a free spot to setup my tent. Buster, Pinky, and Mike where the names. I thought, well finally I meet some PCT hikers, but no. Buster and Pinky were sectioning from Ashland to Washington. However, after 5 days and 100 miles, their feet hurt and they wanted off the trail. They called Mommy for a pickup. Mike is also sectioning the same path and was something of an oddball. Once he got talking, he had an interesting story. Just finished graduate school and was going to work at Apple. Was hoping to hook up with him on the trail and talk a little more. Anyway, nice folks….just not the hiker-trash I’m used to.
For the evening I bought some kind of lame Oregon craft beer and a soggy ham sandwich. I covered it with 3 packets of mayo and mustard, scarfed it down and went to bed. I heard the restaurant is busy and the food sucks, so no breakfast tomorrow. I’m getting the F@#$ out of here first thing in the morning.