3 Sisters – Day 6

Everyone was up early so we could get over to a local deli for breakfast. And after breakfast, we sat around the table for coffee and conversation.

Later in the morning, the five of us piled in the car and drove the three hours up to Mount Hood in northern Oregon. We had reservations for rooms in the Timberline Lodge and we wanted to do some hiking on the mountain before we checked in at 4 PM.

We arrived about 1:40 PM and found out there was a guided tour of the 1939 era lodge by a Forest Service guide at 2 o’clock. So 2 o’clock found us walking around this amazing structure built by the WPA in under two years. Dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1939, it is an amazing piece of construction and craftsmanship and it was fun to hear about the behind the scenes things that went on in the crafting of this building.

After we finish the tour, we went out the back door of the lodge and up to the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs nearby. We walked west on the trail until we needed to turn back to check in.

After checking in, we went out to the back terrace and sat around, chatting over libations waiting for our 6 o’clock dinner reservations.

The dining experience was outstanding, from the 1930s hand built tables and chairs to the amazing food. Jolly Rancher footed the bill as a gift to all of us, his friends. We all appreciated this wonderful gesture, but each of us knew that the real gift was having Jolly Rancher on the trip and the friendship we all share.

After dinner, we were treated to an amazing sunset, created by clouds over the summit of Mount Hood. And as darkness settled on the old lodge, JR lead us to a film about the building of this place with vintage footage of the actual work being done. Kind of a cherry on top for this experience.

So we ended up hiking about 34 miles over five days through the Three Sisters Wilderness. It was a little hotter than we would’ve liked, and the mosquitoes were pesky, but the scenery was grand, the lakes were beautiful, and the company superb. Then we followed that with an overnight at the grand old Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, both an architectural wonder and an incredible example of craftsmanship. Most of all, a group of old friends got to share some time together, and all the other stuff was just frosting on the cake.

Safe travels and happy trails…

There is a possibility I will be doing a trip later this year in New Mexico. So check back in October and I will send out a broadcast email about it. Take care!