Day 125 – August 6, 2022

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 sun ahead was not ideal for photos, so for the reader’s benefit, here are a few shots from my 2020 hike!

I took a short break near the lake, and saw a bear for the first time ever in Washington. He bolted as soon as he noticed me.

From Waptus Lake, the trail started ascending back up towards Cathedral Pass. The gentle, flat walk through the lush valley near Deep Creek offered an enjoyable reprieve from the climb.

I had lunch by the soothing and gently flowing Deep Lake outlet. It was a moment of pure bliss and serenity. I noticed another hiker on the opposite side of the creek, and I felt like he was trying to draw my attention, but I didn’t feel like being social and wanted to enjoy the serenity of the moment in solitude.

After three miles and a healthy number of switchbacks, I reached Cathedral Pass, which is named after the vaguely cathedral-shaped rock that dominates the landscape. It takes a fair amount of imagination to see a cathedral, but it’s still an impressive sight.

From Cathedral Pass, I enjoyed a glimpse of the deep blue hues of the aptly-named Deep Lake.

I decided to hike another 10 miles to Deception Lakes, leaving just 18 miles to Stevens Pass tomorrow.

Past experiences led me to believe that Deception Lakes were named after thru-hikers who naively hoped to find a camping spot, only to realize that section hikers and weekenders had commandeered every square foot. Expecting the worst crowding on a Saturday evening, I didn’t take any chances and set up camp at a more remote site near Daisy Lake, a few hundred yards away from Deception Lakes. It’s not glamorous, but it’s private, and I’m alone!

I took a quick dip and somehow escape unscathed from the mosquitoes. Tomorrow, I expect to reach Stevens Pass in the afternoon.