September 25 day 123 stayed mile 2107.1 Timberline Lodge hiked 25.6 miles today.
Finally a decent weather day. The forest slowly turned into a temperate rainforest. The highlight of the day was seeing Mount Hood with a fresh coat of snow gleaming in the afternoon sun. It was gorgeous. It also meant that I was near Timberline Lodge — the Shangri-La that I had been journeying for days to reach. I got a bunk room for the PCT discount of $85 not including taxes. However I did not have to share with anyone. The room was simple but lovely with all wood paneling, hooks galore for hanging and drying gear a comfy bunk bed, two dressers, table, comfy chairs, sink and mirror. After a long hot shower I went up to the Rams Head Bar and had a great dinner. i started with a great clam chowder. Then had a main course of Elk and Huckleberry sausage with fingerling potatoes topped with julienne sliced marinated apples and fresh mustard along with a fabulous sauerkraut and juniper berries. That accompanied by a pint of the Mt Hood Brewery oatmeal stout made for a fantastic meal. Afterwards I did my laundry and while waiting had a great dry sauna.
September 26 day 124 camped mile 2123.4 Lolo Pass hiked 16.3 miles today.
Today was half rest day half walking. I got up about 8:30 almost two hours later than normal. Went to the Cascade Room for the all you can eat breakfast. It was excellent. Highlights being a hand operated automatic Prosciutto slicer. The Prosciutto along with honeydew melon was fantastic. They also offered a cider vinegar with seltzer digestive. I thought a nice touch. Reminded me of Pok-Pok in Portland. Afterwards I picked up my parcel of food and equipment and started packing to leave as the weather was finally nice. Finally got going about noon and finished hiking at 7:00. It was just getting dark.