PCT Day 117 – Zero Day Bend (1985.3) to PCT Mile 1998.7

July 30 & 31, 2026

Total PCT miles: 13.4

Non PCT miles: 0.0

Total: 13.4 miles / 21.6 km

Total elevation gain: 1936 ft

Total elevation loss: 2566 ft

Steps: 35190

Remaining Distance: 656.3 miles

Zero Day In Bend

I had the continental grab and go breakfast with Caddy Shack, Oscar and his friends and bid them farewell. They are all returning to the trail today but my plan was to enjoy a semi relaxing day in town. Fortunately since I sent resupply boxes throughout Oregon I didn’t need to resupply.

I hit up a few gear shops hoping to replace my lightweight sun hoodie that now has two holes in the back. Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything suitable. Hopefully I’ll find something at PCT days. I accidentally stumbled upon the last Blockbuster Video store in existence which is located in Bend. What a time warp. You can rent videos or purchase merchandise but there is also a small display about its history. Apparently there is a documentary about this store. Not hanging a DVD player or a desire to carry anything I found a postcard which I later mailed to Mel back home.

After this I grabbed a bunch of food from the nearby Safeway and relaxed at the hotel and spend some time in the hot tub. I also finally got a chance to update my blog. It’s been challenging in Oregon to keep it up to date and schedule posts as I haven’t stopped for long or when I have the internet has been less than ideal.

I managed to sort out a ride tomorrow back to Mackenzie Pass from Bend with someone who is staying in town for a week helping out hikers. Score!

I went to bed a little later than planned but oh well.

July 31st Back on Trail

I woke up this morning feeling very stiff. Maybe I walked to much yesterday on my “zero” day. My ankles, calf’s and knees did not want to move. But alas it’s time to go the miles will not walk themselves. Trust me I’ve tried the best I can to will it to no effect.

I was picked up my Mike at 930 along with 2 other hikers that were going to Santium pass (the next exit from trail into Bend). Mike is planning on hiking the PCT next year and the only payment he wanted was advice for his trip. I provided all the advice I could think off on the hour drive from Bend to Mackenzie Pass.

At the trail head I took a few moments to visit the Dee Wright Observatory which provides views along the surrounding lava fields and mountains and was on my way. I don’t get far because at the actual road crossing Trail Angel Tod (TAT) was set up with cold drinks and snacks. I stopped in and stuck around for a while because I was trying to avoid the next section for a little while. Turns out he massively helped out the hiker who set the FKT this year on the trail. Their support vehicle broke down so he lent them his truck. What a legend!

The trail from here starts on a lava field and is generally miserable but beautiful in its own way. Every step could be an ankle sprain and there is no shade. I deployed my sun umbrella that I am surprisingly still carrying because I haven’t used it much and did my best to embrace the suck. My legs and ankles were screaming at me for the entire 5 miles of lava and my pace was slower than anything I’ve hiked in a long time. I was shocked to come across a forest service ranger out on the trail. He even checked my permit. It’s the first time I’ve had to show it to a ranger.

Eventually the lava field turned into a mix of lava field and burn scar before changing into just burn scar.

I arrived at Big Lake Youth Camp around 1700 hours. This is a popular stop on the PCT. They hold boxes, have showers and laundry for hikers at no cost. You can even join them for breakfast and dinner. I had sent a box here but didn’t need to shower or do laundry and I’ve been hearing about this amazing trail magic just 0.7 miles from here for days so I was in and out as fast as possible.

I got to Magic Mikes trial magic at around 1800 and it did not disappoint. He and Goddess along with friends and family have been doing trail magic here for the past 11 years. Every year they come down and spend about two weeks here feeding and providing drinks to hungry hikers. I had the best burger I’ve had on trail here. Meat patty topped with pulled pork, fried onions and cheese. Absolutely amazing and great conversation. I even met another Ontario Paramedic here by the name of Curious George. What a small world.

I am camped super close the the trail magic because tomorrow morning there will be pancakes and I am not missing that! But hopefully my legs will be a little more cooperative and less painful.