Episode 67: Day 158-161

Day 158:

Good news and bad news. The good news is that the mosquito population is alive and well. The bad news is that apparently I’m walking through their Mecca.

So grateful I brought my face-net. Without it, I’m fairly certain I would go insane. I’ve decided not to take breaks, since the more I stand still, the more I get bit (and no, I’m don’t have any bug spray with me).

Eventually, I had to eat lunch. I tried to power through it, but I could not handle the constant buzzing and biting. I needed shelter – so I set up my tent and crawled inside. But ALL THE MOSQUITOS FOLLOWED ME IN. I seriously spent the next 10 minutes killing them, and finally I could rest. After lunch I packed up and kept hiking.

I met a couple and their dog, who originally planned on a weekend trip, but instead were turning around day 1 because of the mosquitos. Before they left, they offered me some of their bug spray, and I gladly drenched myself in it.

I think its because there is so much water. Way more than what’s on my map.

Found a sweet campsite and called it a day.

18 Miles.

I see a mountain:

Break at the lake:

Hello friend:

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Day 159:

Rest Day.

I read Sign of the Beaver… twice!

Its such an amazing book. Felt very relatable since the main character is part of two worlds, and so am I.

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Day 160:

Welp! As I was packing up my tent this morning, the elastic cord running through my tent poles snapped. But I guess thats future Max’s problem. Now, it’s time to hike.

The mosquitos kept me going at a good pace, consistently 2.5 mph.

I met a couple going SOBO who said the mosquitos get better soon. YAY!

Arrived at road 23 and only had to wait 15 minutes before getting a hitch with a trail worker. He works on clearing fallen trees from trail and he explained to me that sometimes he can use chainsaws, but if he is in an official Wilderness Area, he has to use a manual saw – “To protect the spirit of the wilderness.” Neat!

Resupplied at the store in Trout Lake. But more importantly, I bought bug spray – the good stuff: 98% DEET.

I made a valiant effort to repair my tent, but until I set it up, I won’t know if I did it right.

During the repair I met Lancelot, a guy patch-working what’s left of his 2015 thru-hike.

I saw a list of Trail Angels posted outside the store and called a number and in no time, Steve was there to give me a ride back to trail. Proud of myself for not wasting any time in town.

Soon after getting on trail I met Gumball, Whistle, and Highway at a campsite and I stopped for dinner. Since Gumball and Whistle were hiking on, there was room – so I decided to sleep there.

14 miles (with a resupply).

DEET is life:

Mount Adams Wilderness:

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Day 161:

Today is beautiful! Views of Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, and Mt Rainier.

Along the way, I met a group of SOBOS and noticed that one of them was wearing a University of Florida hat. Go Gators! We chatted for a minute about that and went on our way.

Unfortunately, my left knee is starting to bother me – not ideal. But on a positive note – God bless DEET. It’s actually working. Mosquito situation is officially manageable.

Later on I met 3 hikers who I spoke to on Instagram weeks ago about the snow conditions in Washington. Pretty cool!

When I got to camp, I made a second effort to repair my tent. Finally its normal!

21 miles today

Pretty: