Pacific Crest Trail Day 129 – Encountering a Forest Fire Fighter at Windigo Pass

PCT Day 129 – Sunday August 20
Thielsen Creek Campsite Mile 1853.5 to Mile 1876.1

PCT Miles Hiked Today: 22.6
Total PCT Miles Hiked: 1407.2
Feet Ascended Today: 2682
Feet Descended Today: 3635
Current Elevation: 6003
Steps: 60288

It wasn’t a terribly exciting day today so I’m going to keep this entry short and let the pictures do most of the talking.

I did hike my highest number if miles in one day so far at 22.6 miles. I hope to beat that before this trip is done.

I passed the point with the highest elevation on the PCT in Oregon around mid-morning. I got a couple of bars of reception and downloaded an audiobook and refilled my prescriptions at a pharmacy in the next town.

In the evening I passed Windigo Pass, where I was happy to find another cache. This cache also included a Hiker Box with eclipse glasses! I already had a pair that I picked up in Etna, but what sweet thing to leave for us hikers!

As I was filling up on water, a man emerged from the woods out of nowhere. He was absolutely filthy and had a wild look in his eyes. He was wearing a visor and his hair poked out of the top. I was startled and disconcerted at first, but noticed he was wearing a walkie talkie. That and his green pants led me to conclude he must work for the forest service. He told me that he’d been battling a nearby wildfire for the past week, but it was nearly contained. I thanked him for his help to put out the fires but wasn’t sure what else to say. A few minutes later he wandered back into the woods.

The eclipse is tomorrow! I hope I find a good spot to watch it!!

Thielsen Creek with Mt. Thielsen in the Background

Alpine Meadow in Mt. Thielsen Wilderness

I can’t think of an interesting caption for this picture

The Highest Point on the PCT in Oregon

Miller Lake

Another Burn Area

Walking in the Woods