PCT update, mile 2303: White Pass, WA (350 miles to go!) After leaving Cascade Locks, I walked over the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. I walked through Indian Heaven Wilderness without much fanfare. You could see some peaks getting closer every day, but still a ways off. The thick forest canopy kept me cool from the record breaking heat wave sweeping through the area. We hitched into Trout Lake and spent the day resupplying and hanging out in the diner and in front of the only store in town. Locals would sit with us for awhile and one fed me elk salami. Once back on the trail, I hiked around Mt. Adams and got views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Ranier. The year round snow, glaciers, on the mountains is incredible. The next morning, some elk hunters stopped me and asked me if I was hungry. Always! They were done hunting and gave me hamburgers, bagels, ground beef, cheese, ham and hot dogs. I feasted! I entered the Goat Rocks Wilderness and it became cloudy and foggy. As I climbed higher, it started raining and hailing. I did get some quick glimpses of the mountains and some mountain goats hanging around the trail. I quickly set up camp and it rained all night. The next day was spent hurrying through windy, cold rain and fog as I passed over the legendary Knifes Edge of Goat Rocks. I missed out on all of the views. The trail actually passes over the Packwood Glacier. I hustled into White Pass, and got a hotel room to dry everything out and warm up. I hitched into Packwood and stayed for one day, enjoying the comforts of town. Like ice cream and coffee for breakfast. And loaner clothes. It looks like I will have to come back next year to hike Goat Rocks, so I can get the amazing views that I saw in my friends pictures. Now with only 350 miles to go, I am excited to finish but sad that it will be over soon. So close. I have thought about the monument in Canada since I first saw the monument at Mexico. As I get closer, I think about how i will finish. All day, I think about the elation and the tears and the accomplishment that piece of wood will bring. It is just a piece of wood though, and the rewards have been numerous since the start. The finish will not change me, I am already a different person. But it will be a great picture! So, the clouds are parting, and I gotta go hike. I will try to update soon, but finding internet in Washington is impossible. If it rains (when it rains!!) I will likely be drying out somewhere. Take care and enjoy your fall. Cheers. Kitten
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:24:26 +0000
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