Start: 0730 - near Milk Creek
End: 1900 - near Miners Creek
Miles (today): 24.5
Miles (cumulative): 2575.5 (2325.5 PCT, 175 alternate, 75 off)
My dear friend Marlene Baker hiked with me most of the morning - it consisted of hours and hours of uphill that made me think of the hill training I used to do on Haury Hill when I lived in Illinois. I could almost hear Marlene say, "you've got this, Miss Beth" and "I'm so proud of you". :)
Really, the uphill wasn't too bad. The downhill that followed hurt my feet but otherwise it was ok (despite the many fallen tree obstacles to get over and around). Even the final uphill of the day was decent (there is no such thing as flat anymore).
I enjoyed the scenery this morning - it was stunning. I enjoyed it so much that I stopped for a break next to a stream and just took it all in (I'm trying to be more mindful of doing this). The weather has been absolutely perfect, too - warm and sunny with a pleasant breeze.
I believe this is another side of Glacier Peak
The afternoon wasn't as spectacular as the morning as it was mostly green tunnel. That's ok, the fall colors were beautiful.
fall is upon us - when did that happen?
can you see Nick waiting for me?
Tonight we are camping with a whole slew of hikers - Outro, Meerkat, Six, Bud and Fret, PB&J and Spooks, and Ridiculous and his dog, Pearl. Everyone is hoping to make it to the road leading to Stehekin before the final bus leaves at 1800. I'm not sure my hiking speed will get me there on time, but we'll see. I do think it's cool that we are camping with Six tonight - we camped with and met him around mile 100 and now, with just over 100 miles left, we are camping with him again.
Along the trail:
my view as I went up the switchbacks this morning
this obstacle was a bitch to get around
more fungi