Backpacking, Pacific Crest Trail

Arriving at Cascade Locks

Elaine and I have reached Cascade Locks on the banks of the Columbia River. We have hiked 1817 miles since we left the border near Campo, California. We accomplished those miles in 113 days. In those days, we had 5 zero days and 3 days under 10 miles. We will be leaving the trail here after a difficult decision. My sciatic nerve has constantly been getting worse making hiking and camping activities miserable for me. The amount of pain doesn’t let me do what I need to do. We will return home from here with family to seek out medical help to resolve this situation. We hope to return to the trail in the future to complete the sections we haven’t finished yet. Deciding to stop is very hard. Elaine has been supportive about this and I can’t thank her enough for her understanding and love.

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Michael S Raymond

Michael S Raymond 173 Dogleg Lane Port Ludlow, Washington Fairwood Village

16 thoughts on “Arriving at Cascade Locks”

  1. Awww…I’m really sorry to hear that, Mike. Being in constant pain makes even mundane tasks nearly impossible. But I know you’ll get it under control and continue your epic journey! Safe travels! And welcome home!

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  2. You 2 are amazing! As a fellow Port Ludlowite I have read your posts with admiration even though I’ve never met you. I respect your decision to protect your health now and hike later! Getting to this age is NOT for sissies!
    Thanks for the vicarious adventure!

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  3. Wow, I am so surprised to hear you are leaving the trail. Get home, get some help and get back out there soon I hope. I will miss your adventure notes. 😦

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  5. What you have done is amazing and providing you with memories and conversation for the rest of your lives. Congratulations and looking forward to seeing you both. Lots of great Physical Therapists around our neck of the woods! Turney and Terry

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  6. Bummer, but sure sounds like the best decision. The trail isn’t going anywhere. It will be there when you want to return, and you have accomplished an amazing feat. Gold stars to you both from Mrs. K, former first grade teacher. I hope you find relief off the trail!

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  7. Ouch! So sorry to hear of your sciatic pain. Is that something you’ve ever had in the past? You’ve come so far (1,817 miles to be exact!) it must be disappointing to have to stop when you’re close to the objective. But a good decision. No sense trying to be a martyr! A little medical attention and you can finish the route whenever you want. Like someone else said, the trail isn’t going anywhere!

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  8. So sorry to hear of your sciatic issue but sounds like you’ve made the right decision. Pain can take the fun out of such an adventure as yours and you’ve both proven yourselves to be hardy souls and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing in your journey. I’m very grateful for your blog sharing-have enjoyed it immensely! Wishing you a safe journey home and speedy healing. Can’t imagine how great your bed will feel!!!

    My best, Pattie Hansen Port Ludlow

    On Sat, Aug 11, 2018 at 8:15 AM Dogleggers on the Trail wrote:

    > Mike and Elaine Raymond posted: “Elaine and I have reached Cascade Locks > on the banks of the Columbia River. We have hiked 1817 miles since we left > the border near Campo, California. We accomplished those miles in 113 days. > In those days, we had 5 zero days and 3 days under 10 miles. We” >

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  9. I met you guys a long time ago at the PWC & we are living @ Port Ludlow now. Would love to get together! Are you going back to Cascade Locks this wknd? We are hoping to. Mark & Gayla Perini

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  10. Just checking in on you two. How are your bodies recovering? We head your way on our motorcycle next week. 8 nights on Vancouver Island… I hope the comforts of home are nourishing you both!

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