I woke up this morning filled with anticipation and excitement for the 27-mile trek to Mica Lake, one of my favorite places in the world. Shortly after leaving Lake Sally Ann, I passed mile marker 2,500, the last major round milestone on my journey, and an acute reminder that the adventure is about to wrap… Read More »Day 128: Mile 2494.5 (Lake Sally Ann) to 2521.8 (Mica Lake)
I got up early, ready to conquer the world. I couldn’t be happier to hike Washington Section K again. Having hiked this section last year, I am familiar with the challenging terrain, the overwhelming beauty, but also the gut-wrenching frustrations ahead: due to its remote location, Section K is one of the most poorly maintained… Read More »Day 127: Mile 2469.2 to 2494.5 (Lake Sally Ann)
I left my spartan camp site at Deception Lakes at 6:15 am with the aim of reaching Stevens Pass in time for lunch. I always get a kick out of my evolving perception of distances. At this point, an 18-mile stretch is merely a morning jaunt. Nature, of course, reminded me who’s the boss: this… Read More »Day 126: Mile 2447.2 (Deception Lakes) to 2469.2 through Stevens Pass
I woke up before dawn and spent a long time watching the sunrise with a hint of nostalgia. I will miss these magical moments when I am back home, even though I am not a morning person in real life! The morning began with a vertiginous 2,300+ foot descent down to Waptus Lake. The rising… Read More »Day 125: Mile 2420.9 to 2447.2 (Deception Lakes)
Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail, from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass, holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I fell in love with the Pacific Crest Trail a few years ago. This enchanting stretch, nestled within the breathtaking Alpine Lakes Wilderness, is not only exceptionally scenic but also very… Read More »Day 124: Mile 2394.1 (Snoqualmie Pass) to 2420.9
Today is my 4th trailversary. I embarked on my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail on April 4th. It feels like both an eternity ago and just yesterday. Mother Nature helped me celebrate in style: I woke up to the soothing sound of rain. Even though I was hoping that the rain would not materialize,… Read More »Day 123: Mile 2377.8 to 2394.1 (Snoqualmie Pass)
In light of my experience hiking this section last year, I had low expectations for today’s stretch. The PCT cuts through a burn zone, crosses numerous logging roads, and traverses several large clearings with power lines. Surprisingly, water is scarce for Washington, and the trail ascends and descends without apparent reason. To top it off,… Read More »Day 122: Mile 2348.0 (Government Meadows/Mike Urich cabin) to 2377.8
I left my personal lake at dawn, and enjoyed the three easy and beautiful miles to Chinook Pass. At Chinook Pass (elevation 5,432 feet), the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Mather Memorial Parkway (SR 410) on a historic 90-foot long stone and log footbridge, dubbed the Chinook Entrance Arch. It was built in 1936 by… Read More »Day 121: Mile 2321.6 (Dewey Lake) to 2348.0 (Government Meadows/Mike Urich cabin)
I woke up this morning feeling bloated and somewhat nauseous. Obviously, my body did not appreciate the over-processed junk food that I ate at the gas station yesterday. I trust that a few solid climbs and my legendary metabolism will soon remediate the issue. After a quick breakfast, I left my rental condo, bid White… Read More »Day 120: Mile 2295.9 (White Pass) to 2321.6 (Dewey Lake)