September 25, 2011

Start: 2533
End: 2555 (plus 5 "new" PCT miles)

Sometimes when people ask about the PCT, I just say it has it's ups and downs. This section has certainly been no exception with all the valleys we have climbed into and out of. Miles have been a bit slower because of the elevation change, but the scenery has been incredible, particularly views of aptly named Glacier Peak and Mt Rainier in the distance.

Today we had the opportunity to walk on a new bridge crossing the Suiattle River. The previous bridge was washed out in 2003 and just opened for use a week or so ago. The only problem with this is that the new bridge is in a new location meaning an extra 5 miles that we had not counted on hiking.

After making it through the new trails and back to the old PCT, we made our way up Suiattle Pass, hiking until about 9:30pm, and setting up camp around 6000' just the other side of the pass. This leaves us with 19 miles to do to get to Stehekin tomorrow, something I am looking forward to so I can eat some delicious baked goods and real hot food!

Sent from the PCT

September 24, 2011

Start: 2509
End: 2533

Today was just another day with "you gotta see it for yourself" views. The first part of the day we climbed up to a couple passes and traversed along the south side of a ridge presenting us with amazing views to the south of Mt Rainier and other smaller peaks in the foreground.

After passing through Red Pass we dropped into a bowl with spectacular green grass contrasted with glacial snow patches, and further down the trail views of Glacier Peak.

Later in the day there was a wall of clouds to the West moving our direction. As we approached Fire Pass the clouds overtook us and we got a sprinkling of rain. At the top of the pass we donned our rain gear and prepared for the worst. The wind ended up being worse than the rain, but we didn't want to take chances so we camped earlier than planned because we didn't want to be caught on a ridge if a big storm rolled through.

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September 23, 2011

Start: 2482
End: 2509

The hiking lately has been spectacular. Today included some amazing views of Glacier Peak as well as towering Mt Rainier.

The only problem is that the daylight hours are getting quite a bit shorter. Today is the autumnal equinox so from now on we will have more time without the sun than with it, but that likely would be the case since it is getting to be late September, and we are getting into northern Washington. Hopefully the rain holds off a little longer!

Sent from the PCT

September 22, 2011

Start: 2468
End: 2482

It's amazing what a difference your attitude can do for influencing your outlook on life. Like Einstein said, "There are two ways to look at life: one as if nothing is a miracle, the other as if everything is." I know the way I like to look at the world, which way appeals to you?

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September 21, 2011

Start: 2445
End: 2468

What is the point of all this, I mean, why hike all the way from Mexico to Canada? This is not an uncommon question. To begin with, it's not really about beginning at the Mexican border or ending at the Canadian border, they are just convenient places to start and end due to man's need to put boundaries on land. Certainly the places along the trail beckon hikers to come see the splendor of purple mountains majesty, but there are easier ways to get to these scenic places than walking to them consecutively from South to North. You could get between these two points much faster by many other means of transportation, but you don't use one of these quicker methods, you walk. So you set off with a backpack containing your home, kitchen, wardrobe, pantry, and all else you need to get by in the world for months. Sure seems like an awful lot of trouble to go for a walk.

So what's the point? Maybe the point is, there is no point. Perhaps the point is to gain a sense of independence, or confidence, or to see the sights. I'm sure everyone hiking has their own conclusion of what the point is, but I like to think the point is simply to have as much fun as possible with the time you have. This translates to life beyond the trail as well. If there is one thing I've learned, it's that life is meant to be enjoyed and you are in control of making sure that happens for you. Just like Mary told a group of us back at mile 110 at Warner Springs, "If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong." I see that much more clearly now.

Perhaps a better question would be: what is the point of working nine-to-five from age 22 to 62? Do you work to live, or live to work?

Sent from the PCT

September 20, 2011

Start: 2421
End: 2445

Woke up to stars and the moon shining, with just a hint of light on the horizon suggesting that morning was soon to come.

It was a beautiful morning with a bluebird sky as we made our way to Lemah Meadow before climbing up a ridge with amazing views, akin to yesterday, including glimpses of Mt Rainier and Mt Adams! I took so many pictures just trying to capture a little of the cool stuff that is everywhere!

We stopped for lunch at a nice spot in the sun overlooking Waptus Lake. After lunch we descended to the creek feeding the lake, crossed the creek, and then hiked Eastward above the North side of the lake until turning up a canyon containing Spinoli Creek, and hiked up-canyon a while until coming across a nice campsite.

The last week, and especially the last two days, I have been so stoked on the hike, and just generally happy with where I am in my life. I feel so alive and am truly enjoying being out here each day. Some of the other thru-hikers are in the same physical location as me (or within a day or two) and they just want to finish as quickly as possible so they can move on to the next chapter in their lives, whatever that might be. It seems that there is some never-ending race everyone is running, and most people (in life in general) are in such a rush to get to the finish, perhaps without knowing what is waiting for them when they get there. I think most people would benefit from slowing down their lives, taking better care of themselves, and enjoying the little things a lot more. The things that money can't buy.

Sent from the PCT

September 19, 2011

Start: 2402
End: 2421

What a great day! The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the elk were singing, the marmots were whistling, and the pika were squeaking. It's as if the animal kingdom, us humans included, were celebrating the beautiful weather, knowing that things are about to change for the wetter and colder.

We had a good climb out of Snoqualmie Pass followed by a ridge walk that had us meandering every direction, including South, before getting back on the northward track. There were amazing views for most of the day after we got to the Kendall Katwalk. We even caught a glimpse of Mt Rainier in the late afternoon. Hopefully the next couple of days will bring more of the same!

Sent from the PCT

September 18, 2011

Zero day at Snoqualmie Pass

Going against mother nature is like betting against the house in Vegas: you may get lucky once or twice, but in the long run you're going to lose. We decided to go with mother nature today, rather than take our chances with the rain.

Today the plan was to set off in the afternoon after eating lunch, but sometimes plans change. We sat inside eating lunch, watching the rain, and decided after deliberation that maybe a day off wouldn't be so bad, especially considering we heard the weather is supposed to improve tomorrow.

Lately on the trail I think about what's next. This encompasses a number of things including work, future adventures, and just life in general. Sometimes it makes me happy, but it also reminds me that this fun, amazing adventure will soon be over. At this point the only thing I can do is enjoy the here and now, and not worry about the rest of it until the time comes.

Sent from the PCT

September 17, 2011

Start: 2376
End: 2402

When it rains, it pours. I'm not talking about actual rain, of which we had a bit today, but rather trail magic and encounters with day hikers.

The trail is a magical place and trail magic can take many different forms. At the beginning of the hike I thought of trail magic as simply food or drinks that trail angels left along the trail, or cooked for hikers at a road crossing. Lately though, I've begun to see it more broadly than just those physical things. It could be a smile from another hiker, or a spectacular sunrise, or I could even be the source of the magic. I'd like to think that by talking to various people along the way I've helped to inspire them to dream a little bigger or see the world in a slightly different way, if only for a moment.

Today there were many sources of magic that included both physical gifts (Rainier Beer, root beer, plums, cinnamon rolls, and coffee) as well as other gifts. Hopefully some of the people we ran into today will be inspired to do something more than they thought they could.

The only thing bad about all the wonderful encounters today was the fact that we were trying to get to Snoqualmie Pass and it's warm, tasty treasures that were waiting. We eventually did make it and enjoyed hot food (spicy and temp), hot shower, hot tub, clean laundry, and a room with heating to dry out all of our gear. What a nice thing it is to look out at the cold rain from a climate controlled room!

Sent from the PCT

September 16, 2011

Start: 2347
End: 2376

Not much seemed to happen today, despite the fact that we walked 29 miles. About 8 miles into hiking today we came to a little cabin on the edge of a meadow that was built by the Snojammers snowmobilers club. We checked it out and then made our way back into the forest. Unfortunately there wasn't a fire going in the wood stove, but it was nice to sit down inside nonetheless.

It was cold pretty much all day, with a few times where the sun came out to give us a little of it's warmth before hiding away behind the clouds again. Other than that it was a pretty neutral day, nothing either good or bad.

Tomorrow we will reach Snoqualmie Pass where I am looking forward to hot food, a hot shower, laundering my clothes (warm from the dryer), and getting my final pair of shoes, as well as socks, waterproof shell gloves, and my food resupply box. It's going to be grrrrreat!

Sent from the PCT