Reminiscent of our recent bike tour, we got another late start to our weekend trip. We ate a disappointing breakfast at Paradox Cafe. Packing this morning took longer than I expected (it always does). Then, I filled up the gas tank and stopped for Doe Donuts.
We finally started driving around 11:30 AM. I had searched directions to “Opal Creek,” not realizing they were leading to the actual creek and not the trailhead. We didn’t realize it until we were on a gravel road with no reassuring signs and no cell service. Shortly after turning around, we met someone with a map of the area. It appeared we were somewhat close to our destination, but multiple winding forest service roads away. Worried of getting lost or a flat tire, we decided to drive back to the main road for cell service to search for directions. Good news–that worked. Bad news–I had driven way past the turn and we had to backtrack. Good news–John was (seemingly) not as upset as I was. I felt like an idiot. And I was hungry and worried we would miss dinner.
After driving on a gravel road for about 10 miles, we finally reached the trailhead. I was relieved we had arrived, but disappointed it was sprinkling. Many people were hiking out while we were hiking in. Memories of last year’s backpacking trip on the Timberline Trail had me concerned about wearing my big backpack again, but it was an easy three miles to Jawbone Flats.
We dropped off our packs in Cabin 1 and scrambled down to the water nearby. We were hungry, but it was still two hours until dinner, so we crossed Battle Ax Bridge and walked to Opal Pool. I had come here years ago, but I was still amazed by the clear water. We admired the area for a while before heading back. I found a geocache in an old stove that John had actually photographed earlier.
Back in Jawbone Flats, we met the mayor–an orange tabby named Hercules. He actually followed us into the woods in search of another geocache. He would suddenly start running quickly without warning and made some awesome leaps. We had difficulty finding the geocache due to GPS interference and ended up where we started. Of course, then I spotted the geocache immediately. Hercules followed us back to the edge of Jawbone Flats before lying down in the road to relax. What a mayor!
Hungry and impatient, John led us inside the lodge a minute too early for dinner. An employee told us they were about to ring the dinner bell. I was embarrassed, but that quickly changed to excited when the chalkboard menu listed vegan shepherd’s pie. It was delicious. I was hesitant to take Brussels sprouts, but I figured I should at least try them. John loves them, but I have disliked them the few times I’ve eaten them. I actually liked these, though. There was also banana pudding which I did not try, but John enjoyed.
After satisfying our bellies, we returned to our cabin. John started a fire in the wood stove and I read the guestbook. Many people mentioned the good food (which is all vegetarian). A few people mentioned a mouse in the cabin, which made John paranoid. I’m excited to go hiking tomorrow, but right now it’s relaxing to just sit in silence and warmth.