8/21/12

   Today was full of challenges. It really reminded me of the Continental Divide Trail. We found out in Bend that a fire had closed 7 miles of trail in Jefferson Park. A detour was created which would add 19 miles and get a hiker 7 miles further down the trail using a couple roads and a series of trails. This sounded fine to us, and we carried extra food out of Bend.
   We both slept pretty well last night though it rained off and on after midnight. Walked to the trail that would take us to our first road. It was beautiful. Not much smoke in the sky either.
    The Brietenbush Trail was pretty, but not as easy to hike as the PCT. Lots of loose rocks and brush overgrown. At the road we found a sign showing us that the fire closure area had grown. The reroute would now add an additional 22 miles and involve walking 12+ miles of pavement on a mountain road. There was another alternate listed by a fellow with the name White Jeep. His route would add more roadwalking but get hikers further down the trail, making it more attractive to us. Three other hikers arrived, all with their own stubborn ideas. One planned to take the original reroute and poach the closed roads and trails. Another planned to walk the reroute as it would keep his continuous footpath going. The last was undecided when we left.
   We walked the 6 miles to paved road, then began hitching. I have walked enough road to know I don't like walking paved roads. This worked well and we had a ride in no time. Ended up getting all the way to where the pavement ended by a nice lady and her dog. Thanks Karen! With a bushwhack and a little more road walking we were on the trail by 5, 17 miles past where we got off the trail.
    Feels good to be back on. Kinda a stressful day, and I am exhausted.