Fording the River, the Oxen drowned, Brandon got Tuberulosis

Camping at Cascade Locks, you literally stare into Washington, separated only by this tiny little river known as the Columbia River. You know, the last river you have to ford in Oregon Trail to win the game. Oh you don't? You must've had a broken axle or ran out of food already.

Flying out to meet up with Caleb and Train, I realized this was going to be a different type of journey. Meeting up with them, I realized, they were, as its known in the movies "in it." 30 mile days, 4 mph walking pace, a beard that would make a Canadian blush, and a trail reputation to back up their exploits. It took us a few days to meet up, as it was dumping rain the first several days (it does that in the Pacific Northwest) and they were coming down from Mt. Hood, around yet another fire detour, and coming to their lowest point on the trail, seeing me again. Wait...

I was fortunate to get to spend some time in Portland with a good friend of mine, John. And, I take full credit for discovering that the only public transportation route from Portland to Cascade Locks. However, once the rain had resided, and as I was sitting at Cascade Locks after hiking the infamous Eagle Creek Trail, talking with thru hiker after thru hiker, tracking Caleb and Train only as a knowledgeable ex-thru hiker can, I realized to myself, I was no longer "in it." My drive, and motivation, had somehow vanished. I'm not sure if it melted with the rain, or if it was the lure of other adventures, but I realized that I would only stare at Washington, that Washington was saved as a crown jewel for those who had scraped through the entire state of California, and torched Oregon in their paths.

So, John graciously drove to Cascade Locks to pick me up so we could go into Portland and catch the Tennessee opening game. Approximately midway through the 3rd quarter, I could sense it, a creature resembling Harry and the Hendersons sat right next to me with a joyous "How ARE You?!". It was Caleb. My god, what a beard this man had grown. Caleb, Train, John, and I enjoyed a night out on the town in Portland. The next day, we made it to breakfast, and then the airport where I was given a fairly sweet deal on a rental car for the next several days. It was my full intention to hike Mt. St. Helens and drive down to Crater Lake, hiking around the rim, before I returned back to Tennessee. I've always dreamt of visiting both places. The destruction at Mt. St. Helens is absolutely humbling, and Crater Lake is something every man, woman, and beast should see in their lifetime.

So, in summary, if you were asking yourself the question "What is going on here?" This is what is going on. Brandon spent nearly two weeks self-exploring the Northwest, spent close to a week with Caleb, who can feel the end of trip. I would note, for those whom text with him, that cell phone coverage will be very spotty as his next stops are White Pass (rumor has it he is already there), Steven's Pass (Snoqualmie near Seattle), Skykomish, WA, and Stehekin, WA. And then? Well... that's it.

If I were betting, I'd bet he has 3 weeks left. If you pray, pray for good weather for Caleb. If you don't, cross your fingers for Caleb.

Blevins. Out.