MOUNT HOOD

2024 was a year of living vicariously through Ollie during his adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail. Whilst I spent my days looking down a microscope and writing endless reports, he was out there walking in harmony with the land across the USA…

As his journey came to an end, I travelled to meet him in the quant little town called Cascade Locks on the border between Oregon and Washington. Over four days we walked along the famous trail from the Bridge of the Gods to Mount Hood. The beautiful autumn weather saw the forest coloured with an orange hue and chipmunks busily stocking up with food before the first snow. The magnificent Mt Hood reminded me so much of Taranaki and as we neared her slopes the threat of snow was felt in the air. I can only imagine how beautiful this place would be in winter.