Start: 0815 - PCT mile 2451 (near Trap Lake)
End: 1315 - Stevens Pass (to Skykomish, Cascadia Inn)
Miles (today): 10.5
Miles (cumulative): 2490.5 (2240.5 PCT, 175 alternate, 75 off)
The sun came out to say hello his morning, which was wonderful. It was still cold and wet, though - Nick even had to use my hot hands for a bit to bring his hands back to life after folding up the tent.
our campsite
Even though I was the first to hike out (several other hikers were camped near us), within the hour I was passed by nearly everyone. Sure, I stopped several times to take care of business and to adjust my hiking attire, but really it was just a slow day for me. Once everyone passed me I decided not to worry about getting to Stevens Pass and really, REALLY tried to focus on the hike. It was great - I stopped a lot to eat berries (they are everywhere, it's fantastic) and I talked to all the the day/weekend hikers I ran into. (Nick swears one of them was an actor in Inglorious Bastards but I didn't make the connection). Everyone I met congratulated me on a finish, to which I responded, "thanks, but a finish isn't guaranteed yet!". I don't want to jinx anything - in fact, I won't feel at ease about it until we are well past our last resupply point.
The last several miles were downhill and I sort-of forgot to just enjoy the hike for a while there... (I blame the weekend hiker who told me I only had 2 miles to go when I really had 4) but then I was walking into the lodge at Stevens Pass and all was well.
At the lodge I was pleasantly surprised to see I actually had cell service (we have Sprint and so usually don't have service out here). I saw a message from Coppertone saying to give him a call if we got there before noon- apparently he and False Alarm (Ellie) were going to try to meet us if we got in early enough. I was so touched but worried that we had gotten there too late (it was after 1300). Sadly, we had. :( Ellie had to leave in the morning as she is running a marathon tomorrow (go Ellie!) and Coppertone had to go. Very disappointing; however, I love that they wanted to see us and I know we'll see them again someday.
That was the sad news. The wonderful news is that Proton came to meet us! He finished the trail on the 13th and has been doing trail magic to help his transition back to 'real' life. Last week we texted about a tentative plan to meet but I wasn't sure he'd be able to make it, so when he walked up to us while we were sitting at the bar I was ELATED. It was so good to see him that I couldn't stop smiling! It's so weird and yet so wonderful how it seems as if we have been friends for years. We talked about the trail and shared random stories - it was nice. Proton told me his feet STILL hurt, which makes me feel better (at least I'm not the only one) and also makes me feel worse (I wonder how long it will take for my feet to feel normal again, if ever).
When we were finished with our lunch, Proton gave us a ride to the quaint little town of Skykomish, where Nick and I got a room at the hotel.
Nick, Proton, and me - I completely forgot to give him a clay figure, though!!! What's wrong with me?!?!
Proton brought beer - and IPA for Nick and a Black Butte Porter for me
We weren't planning on staying here - in fact, we really considered hiking out this afternoon - but it's been really pleasant and I'm glad we decided to stay. Not only did we get to spend more time with Proton (who also gave us some beer, fruit, and random snacks before he left) but we ended up seeing Dirt Squirrel, Lisa, Yucca, Sprout, Woodsmoke, and Jiggy at the bar. Nick ran into them while he was waiting for our laundry - I was sort-of stuck in the hotel room as all my clothes were being washed - but as soon as Nick brought me clean clothes I walked over to see everyone.
At the bar I learned that Dirt Squirrel can play the guitar, which is a skill I wish I had. She played one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs, Girl from the North Country. After that, Sprout played some Pink Floyd and then Yucca took over. I happily listened to the music, chatted with everyone, and drank the rest of Nick's chocolate stout (it was most excellent and went down too quickly).
Once the little gathering broke up (they were all getting a hitch to the Dinsmores), Nick and I had dinner at the hotel. Nick was impressed with how perfectly cooked his steak was, so I made sure to tell the waitress so she could pass it on to the chef (because who knows, knowing he cooked a perfect steak just might make his night better).
Nick made me laugh with his story about stepping in dog poop immediately after seeing a sign saying to clean up after your dog. I laughed even more as we started sharing trail poop stories (pooping on the trail is often comical). Laughing is always a good way to end the day.
dessert: mixed berry cobbler a la mode
And now I get to sleep in a legit bed again!
Along the trail:
OMG, I can't stop eating these berries!!!
