PCT Day 30, Cascade Locks to Indian Spring, 20 miles
Instead of looking to the past, I put myself ahead twenty years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then. —Diana Ross So cozy in a bed, but I eventually decide to get up and organize for a return to the trail and the start of […]
PCT Day 29, ‘zero,’ Stevenson, WA
You always had the power, my dear; you just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda, the good witch of the north what I did on my vacation from the trail: 1. soaked in really hot water – four times, then one more time with epsom salts 2. ate a second breakfast (or was […]
PCT Day 28, Rock Creek to Cascade Locks, 20 miles
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. – Eleanor Roosevelt The men are awake and out by 3:15. True to their word, they are absolutely quiet packing up. They’re heading north to ‘meet […]
PCT Day 27, ‘pool of water’ to Rock Creek, 27 miles
If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. – Erica Jong My morning begins with Zach stirring, wanting to “get up early and bust out miles.” The mist is down and I’m concerned the ladies won’t get the great views. Judy drops by my tent as I sip chococoffee to show me how small […]
PCT Day 26, Mosquito Creek to forest near ‘crisp, cool, mystical, scoopable pool of water,’ 27 miles
We all have an unsuspected reserve of strength inside that emerges when life puts us to the test. —Isabel Allende True to its name, Mosquito Creek is a hatchery and I have buzzy ones desperately batting their bodies against the alicoop. Life in the wilderness is constant vigilance. I hate to admit it, but I […]
PCT Day 25, Lewis River to Mosquito Creek, 22 miles (+3)
The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within – strength, courage, and dignity. – Ruby Dee The stars were crystal and diamonds until the moon peaked over Adams, reflecting on the glacier. The sun just hits the summit white snow icing as I mix cold coffee and chocolate […]
PCT Day 24, Walupt Creek to Lewis River, 27 miles
A boat is always safe in the harbor, but that’s not what boats were built for. – Katie Couric The wind was absolutely wild during the night, careening in like a roller coaster building speed and crashing over the trees surrounding me in my mini perch. The alicoop shook a bit, but was well protected. […]
PCT Day 23, Clear Fork Junction to Walupt Creek, 15 miles
The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. – Emily Dickinson I wake up late and lay under my quilt enjoying how cozy I feel in here. Cheerio tells me we synchronized slept, turning over and crunching our mattresses on cue. I’m glad it was just the three of us – […]
PCT Day 22, Pipe Lake to Clear Fork Junction (via White Pass Kracker Barrel) 20 miles
If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one. – Dolly Parton The morning is pinky orange clouds reflecting off our magical fairy pond. An idyllic spot, but like the Maori legend about the sandflies, this place is a mosquito incubator and it keeps this paradise something one can only pass through […]
PCT Day 21, Sheep Lake to Pipe Lake, 24 miles
Beware of monotony; it’s the mother of all the deadly sins. – Edith Wharton There is nothing like rising before dawn to clear skies and a dry tent. The lake is beautiful – crowded, sure, since only a few miles from the highway, but a mellow crowd, especially our neighbors who hefted chairs all the […]
