Hello Everyone,

I am still in Camp 13 & 14 and have been running around getting supplies and also waiting for some other items to arrive here. I had everything shipped to the REI Store as I also loaded up with things there. The manager there was great and took care to help me, especially with the packages shipped there.

I received my supply package from home with some food, clothes, etc., yesterday. My new tent that I had to order also came in yesterday, but my new Gore-tex shoes did not get here until today.

I am still a little concerned that the new shoes will hold up. After all the different shoes I have tried and looked at some other ones at REI, but do not want to make the backpackers biggest mistake, and that is to go trekking with shoes that haven’t been broken in. Fortunately, with the Merrells they do fit and feel good from the first day. I’ll hope they hold up in the rain.

Eugene is a great town and is a very progressive, especially because the university just blocks away. The downtown has a variety of shops and diverse restaurants. Apparently in years past the downtown area was depressed but it has changed and become a popular place to go to shop and eat.

Nick and his wife, Patty, have a nice little shop in the downtown area that is a combo of both their interests. Nick repairs and sells antique clocks and Patty specializes mainly in antique jewelry. Apparently the demand for old clocks has changed as most young people don’t have them or watches. Anyone need a beautiful clock, he’s got them.

The timing for a stop and rest here could not have been better. My right foot is not in the greatest condition because the largest blister on the ball got much larger and painful. Plantar Fasciitis, haven’t given it much thought after dealing with these blisters.

I have been letting my feet air and have kept my walking to a minimum. I have been putting a salve on my feet and blisters and this seems to be easing the pain. I’ll cover them up with mole skin, bandages, duck tape, etc., when I hit the road tomorrow.

I have enjoyed my stay here and it was one of my highlights, and I would love to stay longer, but I don’t think it’s a good time to head out as weather looks to be good for the next several days.

Yes, I am going to start back up tomorrow and head towards the coast. I’ll be going north first to Junction City and then through Alpine on Hwy 34, which is suppose to be a fairly desolate road. I think it will take me about five days to get to the coast at Waldport. I packed seven days of food just to be on the safe side as there are no towns or stores.

I hopefully will be able to send an updated blog, but after tomorrow there may not be service for the next 3-4 days.

As always, please keep those positive thoughts and prayers going my way. Please excuse the typos, spelling, etc.

Best wishes,
Ted