Day 4 (August 20)

Some kind soul has lashed some small tree trunks together into a nice little footbridge across the main Sandy River; crossing is much easier than the Muddy Fork.  "Sandy" is no lie -- the ground all around here is fine sand, and combined with the heat, lush green plants, and buzzing insects it's got an almost tropical feel, interrupted by the occasional surviving lodgepole pine or snowbank.

Deb and I have decided to split up! I'm taking the high road, the Paradise Park Loop Trail, and Deb's staying low on the PCT.

Deb says "This feels like paradise, so Paradise Park must really be something. Lots of little waterfalls and fields of wildflowers amid amazing views. Btw, I've discovered that a sleeveless dress is the ultimate hiking uniform for this kind of trail."

Mt Hood from Paradise Park

Paradise Park is indeed well-named, a peaceful high mountain meadow in the shadow of Hood's peak. Beautiful views in every direction and a little snow on the trail, even in late August. I grabbed some snow to save for later.

Meeting up at the other end of the Paradise Park Loop Trail should be a cinch, but it turns out there is another shortcut trail in the middle. After some creative worrying I went north on the PCT and found Deb waiting for me there. We celebrated with lunch and a sno-cone flavored with Kool-aid and Emergen-C -- a delicious way to plow through the many switchbacks down and up the Zigzag River canyon. (I read that the river is actually named for the switchbacks!)

We made it to Timberline Lodge about 3:30, not bad at all. Checked into our little room, did laundry, washed dishes, had an excellent meal, generally enjoyed civilization -- though it's tricky to get our minds in mode even after just 4 days in the woods. A little red wine, a short dip in the hot tub, and then early to bed.

[Edited August 31 -- this post was really messed up and missing a lot of stuff!]