July 19.
Slept in until 7 and didn’t hit the trail until 830. After the last day and night I needed the rest and was glad I got it. The bugs were out in force today. Even just breaking down was a mess being swarmed by them. So far they are the most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with. The elevation gain and loss was hard but I’m adapting. The heat has lessened a bit. The snow is mostly gone from here on out. But the bugs, they’re everywhere with no end in sight. I heard at the hotel that this is one of the worst years for bugs, probably because of all the snow and heat. The alpine lakes wilderness is the worst section for them so far, probably because of all the lakes. There’s so many beautiful spots I wanted to stop and rest at or have lunch at but it was impossible to stop. My skin is so irritated right now, just covered in bites.
Anyway, had a slow start this morning with a long uphill climb. Took me a while to get going. Then a 10 mile descent to Waptus Lake and the Waptus River. Taylor said that was the best lake and it looked like it but I couldn’t stop to enjoy it this time.
On one of the descents I ran into Soda! Soda was a NOBO I met in Tahoe when I hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail last month. When I met him then I told him I was planning on hiking the PCT SOBO and might see him later. A month later here we are! The trail is so small. Even though it’s 2660 miles long, it’s only 2 feet wide and it’s easy to find out things or see others.
Decided not to push miles and camp on a beautiful ledge looking out at the snow capped mountains right past a fragile area. Lots of recovering trees from a fire around here. It’s such a beautiful contrast with the mountains and the summer flowers and ponds. Nice running water nearby. Lots of bugs but where aren’t there.
Tomorrow should be another 20 mile day with an easy 6 to Snoqualmie on Saturday. The Chevron should be a post office so I should be able to send my bounce box ahead. If not I should have time to hitch to north bend or Easton and send it ahead from there. Then plan to hike a few more miles that day to make the next section shorter and carry one less day’s worth of food. Only 12 more days in Washington. What a small trail.
Plants Outside 