Episode 66: Day 155-157 (BACK ON TRAIL)

It’s been 9 months since I got off trail, and during that time, I did my best. I did my best to spend time with friends and family, to work, and even to travel. But, for better or for worse, the Pacific Crest Trail was always at the forefront of my mind. I knew I had to finish what I started. It was important to me. And so I booked a ticket to Portland for mid-July, to allow for the winter conditions in Washington to pass (at 10,000+ feet, it takes several months for the snow of winter to melt). I’m going back.

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Day 155:

I took an Uber from PDX to the Bridge of the Gods and walked across. Im back on trail.

And what a welcome it was. 3,000+ feet of elevation gain to start. It doesn’t help that my pack is heavier than it needs to be, carrying way too much food. This is really tough.

I realized that it’s going to take some time to get into hiking shape again, so I took breaks when I needed to and didn’t push too hard.

The good news is, higher elevation means more views, and I like views.

Found a flat spot to camp at 8pm. I’m pooped.

18 miles today.

Back on track:

507.2 to go:

Today’s Views:

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Day 156:

Started hiking at 8am. Kicking off the day with some more climbing.

Stopped for lunch when I met a group of day hikers from the Appalachian Mountain Club. And then kept going.

And then I came to my first river in Washington. Its all good, river crossings are fun. And it was fun, until one of the branches I stepped on broke, and I fell face-first into the river. Nothing was bruised except my ego.

Eventually the terrain tapered off, and the rest of the day was downhill.

Later on, I met Righteous, a southbound thru-hiker. Since I just started Washington and he was about to finish it, I picked his brain – mainly about the snow conditions. I congratulated him on his first state and we went our separate ways.

Just around sunset, I found a campsite near a creek. Thats all I got for today.

17 miles.

This view:

Bridge to somewhere:

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Day 157:

Hiked out at 8am, and again with the climbing,

Fortunately, there was a lot of tree coverage providing shade – and I appreciated it.

As I was hiking, I saw an animal scurry off the trail – it was a skunk! I kept my distance and watched it for a while.

I met a hiker named Pockets, who is doing a section of the PCT, starting in Chester (California) and hiking North to Canada. He actually hiked the entirety of the PCT several times before and I guess he really likes this section.

I thought about camping with him at Horse Camp, but I decided to hike on another 2 miles.

And then the mosquitos happened. I’m serious. This is an unreal. Swarms and swarms of mosquitos. I quickly got in my tent and killed the ones that followed me in….c’mon people – it was self defense!

19 miles.

Into the woods: