July 17.
Woke up at 4 am to try to make it in early to town. Hiked up and over the bug infested Grizzly Peak and then down and up to Stevens Pass. Hiked with Tony for a bit and found out he was in the navy and had hiked the PCT nobo last year but had to stop in Oregon because of the fires. Passed a few nice lakes but couldn’t stop because of the bugs. Met “Oh Lordie” a fucking fast heavy miles a day hiker who got into our camp late last night. Got passed by him, Grouse, and Tony.
Had service the last few miles so just tuned out until making it to Stevens Pass, a big ski resort that is hiker friendly. Called my mom and sister in the way in and caught them right as they were at the airport on their way to Mexico. Caught up to Lucas and hiked across the pedestrian bridge over highway 2 with him. The receptionists at the lodge was actually very nice and I got my resupply stuff no problem.
Sorted stuff out and talked to Mup for a bit. It was amazing talking to her again. It’s been so long but it also made me sad to be away from her for so long.
While trying to decide whether or not to go into town a man named Jim asked if anyone needed a ride to skykomish. Turns out he had been driving hikers to and from skykomish for a few years.
Didn’t plan on going into town but got offered a ride and the others wanted to split a hotel room. Was feeling sick all day, probably dehydration, so decided to take it easy in town before trying to put in some big miles.
After some hassle with the hotel receptionist (she charged us more for a 4 person bunk room and was shady about it), we got some food at the sky deli. I got an all veggie sandwich chips and Gatorade. Showered and lounged before meeting up with the other hikers at the whistling post pub, a divey little bar in town. The deli and hotel cafe closed before I could get to get real dinner so I had to settle for questionable potato wedges at the bar.
Hung out with the hikers at the bar. Sherpa and Mister Miyagi ended up getting a ride right at the trailhead and joined us. Oh lordie got a ride with Tony and we all sat around telling stories and being hiker trash at a bar. It was a nice little break from the trail but I’m eager to head back.
Plants Outside 