This past weekend saw the Pacific Crest Trail Days in Cascade Locks, Or. I found out about it on Friday so several of us from here decided to meet up at the event in the nearby town. The PCT crosses the Columbia River on the Bridge of the Gods which bisects the town. ( It's 40 miles west or 30 east to the next crossing opportunity.)
We went after work so we arrived about 6pm. The area was down by the river near the marina. We knew we were in the right area because there were lots of young people wearing backpacks and boots. We met up with our friends and headed into the display area. Canopies on both sides displayed tents, shoes, and other outdoor necessities. Backpacking has changed, modernized . The packs are better. No more external frames. Boots are different. Leather is almost non-existent. (The Danner booth had some leather boots.) New tents. There was even a insulated hammock. Not much good in the plains.
A couple of discoveries.
1. The Blue Mountain Trail. A brand new 565 mile trail in NE Oregon. Very difficult and very remote.
2. Pee Cloths. Evidently these are used by women hikers to clean themselves on the trail. (They are "cleaned" by rinsing the creeks along the way and then hanging to dry on the pack.)
Even though I no longer back pack, it was fun to see what's new and bring back some nice memories.
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