Day 47 : nr Yapoah Crater

Start – nr Yapoah Crater (1890 m)
Finish – Koosah Mountain (1960 m)
Daily Distance – 34 km
Ascent – 1050 m
Descent – 980 m

I am finding my stint as soft-drink Santa Claus unexpectedly rewarding. Not my shoulders, they still think it’s idiotic, but receiving the unexpected gift of a semi-cold, sugary drink on a hot day really gives people a boost.

The fizzy drink philanthropy has set me to thinking about what really matters on a long hike. Beautiful scenery and adequate infrastructure certainly play a part, but what seems more important is a sense of community and the unspoken challenge to use this time away from the relentless noise and business of normal life to be the best version of yourself.

Today’s recipients of my surprise drinks awards:

• Spider and Mockingbird. A man hiking NOBO requested that I ask other NOBO hikers if they had seen his bandana, which had fallen somewhere on trail, and to please return it to him. This pair had already found the bandana, so I only needed confirm the owner was who they thought. So, for services to hiking companions, they both received a can.
• Teach. Clearly travelling on a budget based on the falling apart rucksack, but gains points for packing a ukulele. Was very appreciative of my heads up that she had a long water carry coming up, so should stock up before getting there. Somewhat concerned what reception a late 20s, slightly scruffy hiker with leg tattoos would receive at the fancy Timberline Lodge, but much relieved that they are very welcoming. For being friendly on trail and reciprocating the information exchange with useful pointers for my upcoming sections. Bestowed upon me a new trail name of “Gifter”.

Other highlights from today were walking through an area with innumerable pieces of obsidian laying on the ground. Like a beach comber, I spent far too long picking up pieces of rock, polishing the dust off, and judging if it was good enough to add to my collection. Not that a collection of small rocks really adheres to the ultralight credo, but I like them.

I also startled a deer family who were grazing on the trail. In fairness, distracted by my own crooning, they startled me first. They were less skittish than most deer, so we’re good enough to stick around for a few photos

I am camping tonight at the summit of Koosah Mountain for the panoramic views. Being volcanic, like this whole section, it is nearly impossible to securely insert tent pegs into the stony ground, so I hope for no high winds overnight (or that the rocks I used for additional anchoring are weighty enough).