Goat Rocks Wilderness

PCT 2018 Day 95, July 26, Thursday

Start mile 2256.3, campsite near pond

End mile 2287.1, campsite

Miles walked: 30.8

My little camera cannot adequately capture the glorious scenes today…

The trail climbs up to 6.5k, and later 7k, with the view of a tall and deep ridge beyond the marker to Yakima tribal lands. At Crispus Pass, the trail crosses over to another steep ridge bowl. The path goes along a narrow path of loose shale, and a snow crossing. Mountain goats can be seen playing on the snow fields below. Later the trail follows on the top of a narrow winding ridge. At least 20 southbound thru-hikers go by.

Heard by a southbounder: “I had a really bad morning, but rehydrated after the tears, and now I’m fine.”

I asked a southbounder, “Are there any days in Washington better than this?” “No, but there are good days.”

Finished audiobook A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, read by Kara Shallenberg.

Mount Adams

PCT 2018 Day 94, July 25, Wednesday

Start mile 2226.3, road crossing with state route 23, then hitch to community of Trout Lake

End mile 2256.3, campsite near pond

Miles walked: 30

I walk to the north outskirts of Trout Lake in early morning, hoping to get a ride back to the trail. A trail angel stops with hiker Mama Bear to pick me up. Mount Adams looms closer as the trail climbs in elevation. Off to the north and west is Mount Rainier. And north of Rainier are a string of lower peaks that also have snow. By mid-day the trail is on the base of Mount Adams, not far below the treeline. I would wish the route went just past the trees for a better view, and would take a side-trail further if I were to ever do this route again.

I meet thru-hiker Charlie Brown, about my age, also going north. Several hikers pass south-bound. Later I go past a wide rock field, perhaps connected with mountain drainage or glacial action. Often creeks and some ponds in this area are full of silt. A boundary marker for the Yakama Nation is along the path. I go by a series of ponds and lakes, and clouds of mosquitos. I do not mention it each day, but we are in an extended heat wave, according to locals. Flies buzz and land on any exposed skin. Finally I set up camp at a site near a pond, quickly putting up a tent and jumping inside to escape skeeters.

Trout Lake

PCT 2018 Day 93, July 24, Tuesday

Start mile 2196.5, corner at switchback

End mile 2226.3, road crossing with state route 23, then hitch to community of Trout Lake

Miles walked: 29.8

Today presents several lakes , including Blue Lake here, and therefore also mosquitos.

The trail has several ups and dow, bouncing between 3k and 5k. We continue to approach Mount Adams.

With a light pack and motivation to enjoy town treats, I finish 30 miles relatively early in the day, reaching the road at 5PM. This road has little traffic, and the few cars going by were not inclined to stop. After an hour I walked down to a cell signal and started dialing trail angels, but a couple from Portland offer me a ride before I can find an angel who might be available.

On the way down I spot Magic Beans, hitching back to the trail.

The general store has my two packages waiting, including a repair for one of my trekking poles. How pleasant it will be to get back to two poles.

A large cat seems to be in charge of the store.

The store owner does not have any more rooms available, but offers me free space on her lawn next door. This saves me a fee at the nearby campground, but more importantly gives me access to store wifi.

The cat comes out to my tentsite for an inspection.