Some pages ago, we were asked how we're doing, aside from having wonderful experiences, after our "Oregon crises."
Our difficulties in Oregon were mainly caused by snow and mosquitos. Snow covered the trail, which meant navigating, which was hard on our legs, and we were eaten alive by the dastardly bugs. Once we entered Washington State, there was no snow, and the mosquito plague let up, after initially being extreme. To it's a lot easier to hike now, and the breaks are restful.
Olli’s stomach troubles, which led to exhaustion and leg weakness, seem to have disappeared for good. His motivation and body are strong again. It's vital to take in enough food and fluids.
The physical exertions, on the other hand, have increased in Washington. Lots of ups and downs, which is very hard on the joints. But with our goal Canada almost within reach (ca. 400 km) and stronger legs, we're able to motivate ourselves time and again, even when the going gets tough and hiking occasionally gets boring. And when, after a long ascent, we’re rewarded with grand views, e.g., from Goat Rock Mountains, we know why we're doing all this!
From now on the landscape heading into Canada is supposed to be spectacular. We're very excited – but it's a relaxing excitement.
In the meantime, Olli has taken to listening to music while hiking (e.g., Bach, Mahler, Wagner, Tangerine Dream, Sigur Ros). Sabine also, albeit less so (e.g., Kate Bush). But since we both listen without ear plugs, thus not very frequently. We meet many hikers who listen to music or books on tape with headphones, or maybe they're learning a new language.
Sabine herself has now begun to learn a new language: Olli's teaching her Dutch!
"Ik moet nu nog mijn vitamine-b-tablet tegen de moskitos nemen" ;-)
Apart from that, over the past two weeks Sabine’s been struggling with her first-ever corn on her right pinky toe. Corns develop from pressure and friction. Despite adjusting her sockwear according to temperature and conditions, the corn gave Sabine a piercing stab every time it came into contact with a rock or a root. After three days of taping it with K-Tape and daily footbaths in creeks – which soaked the K-Tape – the corn was softened enough to remove the callous. On the other hand, neither of us has had trouble with blisters.
And so, onward! Without further crises, we hope!
