Another cloudy morning greeted us in Portland. When will the sun come out? Summer should have been here by now.
A late morning highlight was meeting Eric for lunch at McMenamin's. It was tempting to drink a beer, but at mid day and while on antibiotics? I resisted, though surely another opportunity will come before I return to the trail. McMenamins is always a great place to visit in Portland, great food, great atmosphere, great concept.
It was doctor day for the pooches, not for me for a change. Ashley and I also visited Pet Barn where I got a chance to check out all the assorted critters for sale AND several cats and dogs rescued from the pound which were available for adoption.
Ladyface called today, she and Zing both decided not to continue hiking and she is in Hot Atlanta visiting her sisters and traveling to Myrtle Beach. There's irony here, in that I am in her hometown and she is in my normal neck of the woods. Nabor J and Chowda called today as well. These two guys have had more visits to doctors and hospitals along the PCT than I could string together in a lifetime! It was great to hear that they are gearing up to get back on trail in a couple days, and Nabor J has spent some laborious hours getting his pack weight down so his damaged muscles in his leg can get some relief. I was thankful to hear from all three of these great trail friends and glad to stay connected to trail happenings.
Late in the evening while Eric, Ashley and I finished watching the second series of 24, I decided to pull the packing out of the foot one last time. Inside I peered, and the hole to be filled has a long way to go. It's disconcerting to see how much trauma the foot has taken, but on the other hand exciting to be done with doctors and foreign objects in the foot. I haven't lost faith that I'll be back on the PCT soon, but reality is setting in that I won't be finishing the trail until late October and could face serious winter weather issues before it's all completed. Still, my goal is to hike the entire PCT this year and claim another thru-hike. But whatever happens was meant to be and that is the journey itself.
