Miles: 26.7 

Total Trail Miles: 1719.7 

Ascent/Descent: 4104/5123 ft 

Start Time: 05:53 

End Time: 15:57 

Temperature: 32°C (90°F)

I woke tired but excited, I was in Oregon! I was excited to get to Ashland for a meal and cold drink as a reward. I had a few climbs but a lot of downhill so I worried about my shins. They were sore as soon as I started going down, I just tried to push through it knowing in Ashland they could have a rest. It was hot but I went in and out of shady trees to exposed meadows of yellow flowers. I passed blaze hiking SOBO and we briefly caught up. I called mum as the signal was good and it helped distract me from my shins. I was very pleased to find trail magic after the second climb, 2 lemonades left in a cooler in the shade, I helped myself to one and chatted to some nice day hikers whilst I drank it. My hitch into town was also lovely, a chatty couple from Redford picked me up and they had lots of questions about the hike and seemed very impressed, they even gave me a little car tour around Ashland. I headed to Ruby's as recommended on FarOut for their vegan food - it didn't disappoint! Then it was to the running shop to buy some Topo's on recon from Blaze Physio for the rocker sole, the guy in the store was super friendly and they gave a 10% hiker discount! I popped into the outdoor shop to get some meals before catching a bus to Norman's house, the Trail Angel who has said I could stay. He was out but a lovely Slovakian hiker named Lucky let me in and showed me around. Next on the list was head across the road to do laundry. on the way back from the laundromat, I passed a tasty, looking restaurant that had lots of vegan options so I ordered myself dinner to go. It was so delicious teriyaki, butternut squash with braids, kale, Jasmine rice, vegan garlic, naan, flatbread, and ginger, sesame tofu I also got myself a chocolate Chia pudding for dessert. I called in to the supermarket on the way back to get some bits for breakfast and it was also a vegan dream. I chatted with lucky when I got back and eventually when Norman got home at 9 pm. We said hello before going to bed.