PCT Day 103 – PCT mile 1703.9 to Ashland (1719.2) to Medford.
July 16, 2026
Total PCT miles: 15.3
Non PCT miles: 0.5
Total: 15.8 miles / 25.4 km
Total elevation gain: 1991 ft
Total elevation loss: 3891 ft
Steps: 32223
Remaining Distance: 935.8
I think today is the first town day where I had a hard time getting out of bed. The exhaustion of walking a marathon yesterday combined with the poor sleep I had due to the less than ideal camp site had me hitting snooze on my early alarm. That’s not to say I “slept in” as I was was still on trail at 0530 but I had intended to get moving sooner to get to town faster.
There is no forest fire smoke from where I am now but as the sun rose I could definitely tell it’s in the valley below. I made okay time but I’m really feeling the aches and pains in my ankles today. Fortunately unlike yesterday it got better throughout the morning.
I was ecstatic when I came to the end of the only real climb today and found coolers full of soda and chairs to sit in. Trail magic really does get one into a positive head space. I sat on the chair and relaxed much longer than I planned but that’s okay.
From here it was basically all down hill to Callahan’s where I would attempt to get a hitch into Ashland before bussing into Medford. I decided to get a hotel in Medford because it’s significantly cheaper And it’s close to all the things I need.
When I arrived at the road I found Two Plates, Buzz Lightning and Squeeks trying to hitch a ride. Buzz had gotten impatient and ordered an Uber and took us all into Ashland where we went our separate ways.
I bussed to Medford, checked into my hotel and enjoyed a wonderful shower.
I’m taking a double zero here for a number of reasons; I’m tired and hoping some rest will help my ankle, I’m going to be doing my resupply for all of Oregon and mailing boxes and because I deserve it.
To finish on September 1st I’ll need to do 21.3 miles per day not including zeros. Which I think is absolutely more than attainable.
life being ‘all downhill from here’ becomes quite a positive sentiment after you hike enough.