gaYcation

guys annual camping trip, same idea, new location. carl lake/ jefferson wilderness/ camp sherman, oregon. 5 miles, all my shit on my back.

that is not my pack. i don't even own flippers.


the hike begins through a burn from 2 years ago, but the blackberries are fighting back. after 2 miles the huckleberries are fierce, the trees are back and you get a lakeside break. then up.... up and up. 3 miles later and around a corner you find carl lake. swimming, fishing and base camp. the pacific crest traill is near and thanks to some human compasses we found our way to it. off trail orienteering combined with a ridiculous display of high alpine wild flowers and rarely seen vistas made my feet only hurt a little. the guys did not disappoint with late night shenanigans. greg will forever be asked to play a game of puker. a witty play on words of the northwest card game uker, (similar to midwestern pitch), appropriately delivered for the first time by the newest gang member todd, as if it was his rite of passage. the drive home through more burned out landscape, catching sight of a massive rising plume in the distance became a harsh reminder about thoroughly enjoying one's current scenery while you're in it. some of us made it for beers after reaching town and then we all made it home. dirty, smelly and tired.