After relaxing by Top Lake for a couple nights, it was time to push on. I'd stayed around to give the legs a break and to soak up some lake and relaxing time, eating huckleberries and settling in for a little bit. A nice breather, but the trail mindset was calling. The legs could've used more time off, having done those 50 miles in the first 3, but the way out was ahead and Mt Jefferson was in the distance.
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Heading up from Top Lake, I passed several other lakes, an open meadow that just made me smile and then an awesome outcropping with views of Mt Hood and Olallie Lake below. Talk about a great rear view mirror shot, capturing the distance I'd traveled so far. Pushing 60 miles from Hood to get this view, and more to go!
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To get into Jefferson Park, my overnight spot under the mountain, you have to head up, up and up to 7000 feet to get over a ridge, to then go down and down to the meadows and lakes. My legs were feeling pretty shot on the way up, but the thought of swimming, relaxing and watching the sun set on Jefferson kept me going. That, and, there really is no stopping when you're on a trail and not at your destination. Only one way to go, and that is right foot, left foot. With some stopping for views of course. On the ridge I could see a couple fires burning in the distance. Too close for comfort, but safe for this hike. Sadly having seen what has happened afterwards, this whole area would get closed down and be in danger of fire, and most likely burnt.
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Looking down at the lakes just brings a smile to your face. It's like walking into a postcard. Well, a postcard that takes a couple miles to get into. Having just been in this area a couple months ago, I had a couple spots in my mind for where to camp by the lakes. I scored a winner with a great view of the mountain. Prime for sunset watching from the tent. Swim, dinner and relaxing on the last night on the trail. A great finish to a great trip.
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Classic sunset on a mountain. So Good!
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Moonrise over Mt Jefferson
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The next morning was all smiles on the way out. Good times on the PCT, pushing the body and mind, getting 70 miles in and becoming one with nature, yet again.
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