I woke up with a renewed appreciation for what is, and although still experiencing some discomfort while breathing, forgot my worries and pains after putting my pack on and starting to move.

It was a gorgeous morning and I was alive. 

I crossed paths with a young deer. 

And then strode to the California finish line by 11 a.m.

After nearly 1,700 miles and 120 days, I made it to Oregon. 

And so did my brother. 

I was soon greeted by the Beaver Creek Family, who welcomed me with fresh fruit and energy bars. 

Thanks guys! 

Here are some of my first glimpses of Oregon. 

By dinner time I reached another milestone. 

I was running out of food options so I celebrated with a cup of generic Lucky Charms or Marshmellow Mateys to be precise. 

Yum. 

I pushed on to squeeze a few more miles into my day and thereby hasten my arrival to Ashland, the first real city near the trail since South Lake Tahoe, some 600 miles ago.  

I stopped near sundown to check in with my parents, and caught the last of the sunset while enjoying a cold soda that had been left by some trail angels.

<3 Will