Start: 36.2
Stop: 51.6
Today’s miles: 15.4
Total PCT miles: 239.4
I got cold off and on last night, and kept waking up to a very damp sleeping bag.. although it was hard to tell if it was actually wet or just also very cold. I slept in until close to 7 and then started packing up.
It was BEAUTIFUL today! The sun came out mid morning and stayed out mostly all day! I got warm enough to hike without my rain jacket for the first time in days! And y’all, the views! My goodness these mountain ranges just go on forever. Some are still slightly terrifying when I think I might have to go over them when I see snow involved.. maybe snow is a new trigger for me lol
I did have some patches of snow, but they were all fine-nothing that required microspikes. I purposely stopped short today just in case this next mountain pass has some on it-I can do it in the morning and not be so tired. Because this 15 miles definitely wore me out. Once I got to the top of one mountain, I spent most of the morning going downhill on switchbacks which were great.
Then, in the valley, it was overgrown and had fallen trees everywhere. Maybe I’m just tired from the last two big days that I couldn’t muster the energy to move any faster.. because I took it S L O W. And then, when I crossed a bigger river or creek on a little bridge and realized the sun was on it completely-I pulled out my wet tent, my bandanas, my sleeping bag liner! I laid everything out to dry, then took my socks and shoes off to let me layout to dry, too. Glorious, I tell ya.
FoodTruck passed me at this point, and asked if I was going to hike into Mazama tomorrow. Seeing my confused look he explained it to me. From where I’m camping now, in just under 10 miles I can hitch back down to Mazama and the Lions Den.. which means hot shower, clean clothes, but I’ll have to set my tent up still and sleep outside. Then, the following day, get a ride back to the trail, and it’s less than 20 miles to Stehekin.
My package is supposed to arrive in Stehekin on Monday. Going to the lions den would mean getting to Stehekin on Sunday, my current plan has me getting there on Saturday. If I can get lodging on Saturday and Sunday in a bed and also have a private bathroom, I feel like I want to take it. Bleh, so much to think about, all while not having service. Makes things a bit tricky. What if I get to Stehekin and they don’t have any rooms left and I’m still camping?!
Ok-so-these are all the thoughts that kept my mind busier than my legs today. After I repacked everything and started walking again, I was no faster, but my stuff was dry.. so I’m happy. I finally made it to a campsite I was looking for by 5pm. I could have walked the 2 more miles to the next site, but the switchbacks I can see from over here look like they end in snow over there, and I’m just not equipped to deal with that anymore today.
I have a gorgeous view, and the sun is out. I accidentally ate dinner before 6 after I set up camp. Ooops. As I was just sitting and admiring my situation, listening to a new Audiobook (I hope I remember to download more when i get to service), non other than MARGOOOO appears!! She never went back to town, she just backtracked to a safer place to wait out the storm! And she was able to fix her sleeping pad! I am so happy she’s here tonight, and I have someone I “know” around. Not to mention, she keeps me laughing.
We talked while she set up her camp. She hasn’t seen the rest of our shuttle ride crew either. Im hoping I run into them soon. When she started making her dinner, I decided to come lay down. Knock this post out-get warm-hopefully fall asleep before 9 haha! I really do feel very worn out, maybe some extra sleep is just what I need. Goodnight y’all.