DAY 133: THREE SISTERS

miles: 30?

Foot pain under control with plenty of IBU, stretching and massage, I had a much better day today. It was actually a great day for all of us! The Three Sisters Wilderness is stunning. It definitely brought back distant Sierra Nevada memories. The Three Sisters were more subtle and much less dramatic than the Sierras.

We got a early start (it was so cold) and wandered through meadows, hugging South Sister for the first half of the day.

Smiles and Dr. Slosh getting a hobbling start. The "Hiker Hobble" is very noticeable in all hikers first thing in the morning.

Ben's swollen sting leg.

South Sister in the morning.

Ben grabbing some water at a "milky glacial stream".

(a bad photo of) Obsidian Falls.

This is actually a spring of sorts, that water you see on the right is literally emerging from the rocks.

Obsidian.

Obsidian.

Obsidian.

Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson in the distance.

Ben started to feel the effects of his bee sting, other than the obvious swollen foot/ankle/leg.

Ben feeling crummy in the shade. 

Suddenly we were in lava fields. 

Approaching Opie Dildock Pass

The name of this pass is "Opie Dildock"

Little snow remnants!

Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson. 

Rocky and Skidaddle after accomplishing Opie Dildock Pass - quite a steep climb! 

Ben elevating his swollen ankle.

After a brutal lava trek, we ran into Craig and Lance at the highway and he gave us red velvet cupcakes, a beer and even diagnosed my foot problems! Craig owns a running store in Oklahoma and is very skilled and experienced in the field. He took one look at my feet and let me know that plantar fasciitis was to blame, as well as a neuroma issue. He offered me shoes, insoles, and stretches/tactics/ways to deal with the pain. He recommended certain insoles and preventative measures.... he even gave me a temporary set of insoles to get me through the rest of Oregon! This was huge! I cannot thank Craig enough for this invaluable advice and all he has done to help us thus far on the trail. THANK YOU CRAIG!

Surprise Trail Magic by Craig and his dog Lance! We love Lance! Thank you for Everything Craig! 

Craig and Smiles.

Smiles and Lance.