PCT Day 113 – Shelter Cove (1909.2) to Bobby Lake (1919.2)

July 25, 2026

Total PCT miles: 10.0

Non PCT miles: 2.0

Total: 12.0 miles / 19.3 km

Total elevation gain: 2041 ft

Total elevation loss: 1444 ft

Steps: 29549

Remaining Distance: 735.8 miles

It was a slow start to the morning and a lazy start to the day. Just what I needed after back to back near 30 mile days. I was still up around 630 but when your used to getting up around 430 it felt wonderful. I had my first shower in a week and did laundry. I almost felt like a new man.

The restaurant opens at 0800 and I ordered two breakfast plates. The hiker hunger hit me hard. I probably could have eaten a third but I settled for ice cream and chips. I picked up my resupply box and finished what chores I could get done.

Throughout the morning several other hikers showed up. I spoke with Heaps who is currently on her 4th thru-hike of the PCT and to two hikers attempting a calander year triple crown. This is when you hike the AT, PCT and CDT in one calander year. One of the two had been attempting to do ten thousand miles in a calendar year but has had to slow down. I was encouraged by the fact they all said Oregon gets a lot better after Elk lake which is only 40 ish or so miles from here.

I’m really only still on this trail because I’m too stubborn to quit. Several other hikers I spoke with all shared similar feelings. So at least I’m not alone in how negative I am currently feeling.

I finally got everything together and found the energy to get moving shortly after 1200. My next planned stop is Big Lake where I have another resupply box waiting. It should take 3-4 days but I might go into Sisters or Bend before that.

Instead of pushing myself today I decided to call it after 10 PCT miles at Bobby lake. The next water source is another 6 miles from here and I didn’t feel like hiking that today. There are two groups of weekend campers here. One has been section hiking the Oregon PCT over the last few years and also assured me the trail gets much more interesting after Elk lake.

Shelter cove was an excellent stop. The staff were amazing, the food was good and I really needed a chance connect with other hikers even if it was just for a few hours.