August 2
2137-2148
It is an easy hike out of the eagle Creek gorge in the morning.
The area is understandably packed full of day hikers who give us second looks for how filthy we look. Yes, my sweat smells like household chemicals. Don’t worry about it.
On the way out we see a young deer with vitiligo. Most of her fur on the back half of her body is white . I have never seen a deer this color.
We leave the trail and walk a few miles along a bike path into the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. It is the lowest point of the hike- under 100 feet in elevation.
We get to town around lunch time and eat at a local burger place.
Today is an exciting day because Amber’s dad has driven down with Amber’s grandma. He has also brought our little dog with him.
Our friend Keely has been taking care of our chickens, quail, and house-sitting with our dog for us.
We eat a second lunch and catch up. The last time Amber’s dad saw us, he was dropping us off at a godforsaken trailhead in the Mojave desert. He brought us new shoes, our final pair for this trip. Amber’s Grandma Bette just returned home from a care home, so it is great to see her out and about.
After a few hours they leave and we retreat to our hotel to rest and watch the Olympics and eat some more. It was very nice to see Craig, Grandma Bette, Bjorn and Sandy, and a huge boost to our morale. We are tired of walking, but we are now in the home stretch. We pass into Washington tomorrow.
Homestead Hikers 
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