Episode 71: Day 175-178

Day 175:

I actually woke up before my alarm today, so I started hiking at about 7:30am. I was honestly pretty proud of myself until Trailblazer flew by… I guess he actually had an early start.

I finished the remaining 2 miles of climbing, and then the trail flattened out and even went downhill for a while. I can get used to this.

Then there were a bunch of river crossings with only the occasion bridge. Which means rock hopping. Which means there is only one barometer if today is a good day… keeping my feet dry.

Towards the evening, I caught up with Trailblazer, as he was already camped at a water source. He was waiting for his hiking partner Rose.

I filled up water to capacity, since there was a bit of a dry stretch ahead, and I climbed. Found a nice campsite at the top and called it.

Today was a good day.

20 miles.

And we’re walking:

Open space:

Rock bridge:

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Day 176:

Started the day going downhill, so I was feeling great.

Made it to a huge river crossing., and as I was strategizing, Trailblazer just jumped across! I’m confident I could do it without a backpack, but I don’t know if my ankles would approve with a pack on, so I switched into Crocs and walked across. IT WAS SO COLD.

Had lunch at Deception Lake which was actually amazingly scenic. Crystal clear water with mountains all around.

I met a German hiker called CaveMoney and took a snack break with him and Trailblazer.

Also met an older hiker called Driftwood who definitely wasn’t wearing underwear beneath his shorts, but was wearing two different shoes.

Found tons of berries along the trail which I ate as I hiked. Honestly, there is nothing more delicious.

Besides for the berries, I munched on a tortilla and some granola bars. The energy boost helped me made it to a lake and set up camp.

Goodnight.

19 miles.

Love this:

Lake Time:

Massive:

Berries:

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Day 177:

Good start at 7:45am followed by a relatively easy 7.5 miles to Stevens Pass.

And guess what, MY BOX IS HERE!

I hung out at the ski lodge for a while to charge my electronics and to eat. Chips, OJ, cereal and milk. This is what brings me joy.

Saw CaveMoney making a cardboard sign for a hitch since his box is in Skykomish, which is a drive away. Reminds me why I decided to resupply via boxes rather than grocery stores.

Met a couple who might have been in their late 40s or early 50s. They retired early and are traveling the world. BUT, this isn’t their first big trip. When their son was growing up, they pulled him out of school and left their jobs three separate times for a year of adventure. Seriously… this is my new life goal.

I went to buy some more snacks and my credit card got declined! Not sure why but calling the bank didn’t seem to help. I paid cash, but I wasn’t happy to part with the little I had.

Hiked out and went almost 6 miles before setting up camp. I think the pretty views helped.

13 miles today.

Back to trail:

Hazy view:

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Day 178:

Good start at 7:40am.

As I was walking along I see a wooden sign saying “Toilet” with an arrow… okay, I gotta se this. I follow the spur trail 20 yards or so when I come across a wooden box with a hole in it. I guess technically anything is a toilet….

Then came the climb up to Grizzly Peak, which was amazing. Fields, flowers, and mountains everywhere you turn. Absolutely gorgeous.

Had lunch at Pear Lake where I met an older SOBO hiker who told me about a small spring that flowing in 7 miles so it splits up the upcoming dry stretch, so I didn’t have to fill up too much at the lake.

Seriously, today is consistently beautiful – I want to come back here again.

After some downhill I started another climb at 7:30pm. Instead of pushing into the night I decided to set up camp an hour later. So glad I did since my headlamp wasn’t charged… oops.

21 miles.

Toilet: