Making it to Cascade Locks is a big deal. The mighty Columbia River is the only thing standing between us and the state of Washington. We were also excited to be here because 3 boxes were waiting. One was our Passport and the other two were care packages. One box full of Trader Joes goodies from Chimp and Tootsy. The other box was from our friends Tim and Carolyn and full of the best homemade jerky in the World!
After a nice day off in Cascade Locks and a hearty breakfast we headed across the Bridge of the Gods and in to Washington. It was a hot climb from the lowest point of the PCT, but the higher we climbed more of the famous gorge wind blew. Most of the day was spent walking through acres of logging fields. Our camp for the night was nestled in a nice old growth forest with moss covering the rocks and trunks of dead trees along Rock Creek.
Today's hike gave us a great view of Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. Mt. Adams is hazy with smoke. The trail around Mt. Adams had just reopened. There's another fire near the tiny town of Stehekin we are watching. Our last food drop is waiting for us there so hopefully that one will be put out soon. Yellow Jackets have been very active lately. Hikers are getting stung including Shadow. This afternoon was another long slog uphill. The trees were old growth and we looked so tiny walking by them. I turned my IPod on and let AC/DC do most of the work.
At dinner this evening a yellow jacket flew into our food bowl and came out carrying a chunk of tuna! I had no idea bees eat fish.
I have to say that today was the best day of trail magic. We were completely spoiled. After leaving our crowded campsite we strolled about 5 miles in the peaceful woods before two 100lbs Labs came barreling onto the trail. People always ask us, "What is your scariest animal encounter?" I'll tell you. Domestic dogs! The 2 Labs were very nice, but very intimidating. The owner wasn't far behind and ask if we were hungry. His wife was in their camper making breakfast for hikers. Dirty Bowl, Schemes, Dyno, Tami, Shadow, and I sat patiently waiting on our fresh pancakes and eggs. She insisted that we could not eat the cold pancakes and needed fresh ones. The fresh coffee and orange juice hit the spot too.
The hike today was easy, but it was mentally tough for me today. Not all days can be good I guess. Commercial pickers have came through and picked all of the huckleberries in this section. We were about 1/2 mile from our camp spot for the night when we saw another sign for trail magic. We crossed the road and walked down to the parking area. I gentleman asked us if we wanted a fresh grilled cheeseburger. "Yes, Please." Him and hi girlfriend had hiked the AT and come out here every year to feed hikers. We headed to camp, but too many people again. It was another 1/2 mile before we found a flat spot. Shadow drank a beer and I ate a Little Debbie for a bedtime snack.
Around 2am this morning I woke to a scratching sound. The noise stopped by the time I grabbed my headlamp and sat up. After the third time I managed to see the culprit. A little brown mouse with big ears froze when I shined my light on him. He did come back later. Zippy and Running Dawg had warned us about the mice up in Washington.
The current talk on the trail is when everyone is planning to finish the trail. As much as we all hate to think about it, Our trip will be ending soon.
While we ate lunch, Samson, Silver, Calamity, and Camel walked by. They had hitched into the small town of Trout Lake for a huckleberry milkshake and resupply. Samson hiked with us the rest of the day. We entered the Mt. Adams Wilderness area 2 days after they reopen the trails. The fire that was on our side was put out, but the fire on the East side of Mt. Adams was still burning. It wasn't till the wind shifted this afternoon that we could even see the mountain.
Silver and Calamity joined us for dinner and decided to camp with us as well. They are retired and spend their Winters on a Catamaran in the Florida Keys. Needless to say, we had lots of questions for them.
This evening we watched smoke from the backside of Mt. Adams explode like a bomb. We also heard today that the small town of Stehekin may have been evacuated. Now everyone is worried. Stehekin is most hiker's last town before Canada so lots of resupply boxes and passports are there.
Around 2am this morning I woke to the flash of lightning. We quickly got out of the tent and grabbed our clothes that were drying. No rain though, just a lighting storm which is what started the first Mt. Adams fire. The day turned hazy with smoke. The Sun filtering through the smoke made everything red. It was an eerie feeling as we walked around a corner and saw where the blue sky met the grey. We ended the day at Sheep Lake. We were surprised to see so many other hikers. Mostly those just hiking the Goat Rocks section.
This morning we crossed Cispus Pass and were above tree line and in the most beautiful part of the PCT. Yes, we like this section better than the Sierras. Steep glacial carved mountain with clean water. Just as the Sun broke over the mountains we saw a herd of 50 or more mountain goats. We stopped at a waterfall to wipe down and fill up with water. We hiked this section back in 2012 with our dog Judy. Most of the day was spent telling each other Judy stories. She loved hiking more than we do. It was bittersweet to be here.
We had great weather till around 10am when the smoke from the fire settle down on the peaks. Ash fell like snow most of the day. Just before crossing the remnants of Packwood Glacier we saw 4 marmots. They were larger and more of a grey color compared to the ones in the Sierras. The Goat Rocks aren't far from Mt. Rainer. It's an awesome view from here.
Just before camp we saw a herd of Elk. One was a buck with large antlers. It's amazing how graceful they can run in the woods. We camped next to Ginnette Lake this evening. The same spot we stayed 3 years ago.
Tomorrow we pick up our resupply package at White Pass. Dinner conversation was simple. What are we going to buy. Chicken strips, slushy, ice cream, root beer...
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