Thick fog dims the moonlight. A tunnel of crooked, weaving branches shrinks my world as I follow the dirt tail. The sharp crack of a branch speeds my footsteps along the path. It’s my second day alone in California. My stomach fills with anxious excitement as I follow the dimly lit path. I passed many […]
I woke up 73 miles from Canada and 43 miles from the end of my trip. My mind wasn’t in it, but my body knew the routine. The sun was creeping up so it was time to get moving.
I got off to a quick start and got a bus ride into town. There were 30 hikers on the bus, all headed to the same place. The most famous bakery on trail!
I woke up in Leavenworth feeling tired. But it was time to go. I wanted to get at least 10 miles in today. I grabbed a pretzel and a cider from a German pub and hitched a ride out of town.
Eventhough I had a good night’s sleep I was weak. I put down some crackers and started walking. The scenery was beautiful. We were in a remote section of trail.
I knew I caught the 24 hour stomach bug. Shit. I wasn’t close to civilization. I have to deal with this in the woods.
I’m almost halfway through Washington! Canada and then end of this long walk feels close.
I woke up ready to get out of camp. I was a few miles from goat rocks wilderness. A section of trail that is a favorite of many hikers. One of the best camp spots on the entire PCT was only 23 miles away!
The Bridge of the Gods separates Oregon from Washington. Walking over that bridge was surreal. 129 days on trail and I’d finally made it to Washington. Canada was 500+ miles away. But it didn’t feel far.
Only 150 miles of Oregon left! A 45 mile stretch of trail was closed north of Bend. Normally that would be an easy hitch. An hour or two max. But the trail wasn’t easily accessible. The 45 miles through the forest = a 6 hour roundabout car trip down logging roads!