July 22.
Long day.
Took a bit to get going though the beginning was pretty easy. Leapfrogged Peach again in the morning. Crossed so many random dirt roads that I guess the locals use. Mostly hiked through forests with a lot of ridge walking. Got my first clear view of Mt Rainier behind some power lines though I had a lot of chances to see it throughout the day. Had lunch at a little ridge campsite that had views of Goat Mountain on one side and Mt Rainier on the other. God how far I’ve come already. Soon Mt rainier will be in the distance too. Soon I’ll have Mt Adams and Mt Hood to look towards.
Got water off trail at a little creek where I met some section hikers heading north. A father and daughter maybe. They said the mosquitoes were bad near the Trout Lake area which confirms what Anchorman (a sobo who has been posting updates for weeks) said on the PCT FB page. So I have that to look forward to though hopefully that changes in a week.
This section was actually pretty dry with some 6+ mile water carries. Not used to having to carry a full liter or rely on very tiny springs. Northern Washington spoiled me when it came to always having water available. The snow may have sucked to walk through but at least it meant there was water often.
There was an 11 mile dry stretch so I decided to hike until I made the next water source at mile 300. Dragged so much the last 3 miles. Just a ton of little up and down heading into the sun that felt like it took so long though it was actually pretty quick. Switched from Wild to podcasts to change it up after listening to wild all day. Still a trip listening to Wild while hiking the PCT. Strayed actually did so a good job describing a lot of the experience.
Made it to the spring late. There were at least 5 other people already taking the good spots. Not sure I know any of them but we’ll see. Not sure if Peach is here either or if he camped earlier and I just passed him. He’s faster than I am so he might be here or ahead. Haven’t talked much to him but I’ve been hiking close to him for almost a week now so who knows.
Another 2 long days then a short one before making it to White Pass. Still not sure if I want to head to Packwood. Part of me doesn’t want to waste time or money but part of me also wants to slow down and wait for the others to catch up. Twig at least should only be a day or so behind. This is such a long stretch to be hiking alone. I’m definitely feeling the solitude and loneliness of hiking solo.
I unceremoniously hit the 300 mile mark. The spring I’m at is technically at 300.9 but I’m still gonna say I camped at mile 300. I made another little marker out of twigs though this one was probably closer to 300.7 than true 300.
Got to camp and everyone was already in their tents. I think peach is here and maybe Lucas but I’m not sure.
As the weekend backpacker going north said: and miles to go before I sleep. I really need to memorize that poem.
Plants Outside 