Episode 73: Day 184-187

Day 184:

After waking up and packing up I have my priorities

1. Get quarters and do laundry
2. Get my box
3. Chill out until the shuttle back to trail

While I was waiting for my clothes, I charged my electronics. Eventually, all the other long distance hikers flocked to the laundry as well and we got into some great conversations.  I met a group of NOBOs – Mama Bear, Festivus, and Patches. I also had a long talk with Giant, who was finishing what was left of his 2015 hike.

Took the 2pm shuttle back to trail, and started hiking.

Got to North Fork Campground just after 7pm and set up my tent right next to the “WARNING: Recent Bear Activity” sign.

Met two people who were on a 3-day trip.

Dinner and sleep.

8 miles today.

Birthday card from Gramma:

Stehekin:

Reflecting:

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Day 185:

Woke up at 6:20am per my alarm, turned it off for some extra snooze… I actually got up an hour later.

The two hikers were still packing up when I left, we spoke and they said they had trouble sleeping… I didn’t mention that I had trouble waking up.

Then came the steady climb up to Rainy Pass (Highway 20). When I crossed and passed some day hikers, one person said to me “Wow. You are starting in the heat of the day.” Instead of telling him I was already 11 miles in, I just said “Oh. I don’t mind it.”

Then I climbed up to Cutthroat Pass – which is so beautiful. PEOPLE, this place is very accessible to day hikers and weekend warriors: go check it out. You won’t regret it.

Hiked into the dark and eventually came to a pretty populated campsite. Found a flat spot as far as I could from the other tents and set up.

Ooh. It’s cold tonight! Putting up the rainfly.

21 miles today.

Majestic Mountains:

Cutthroat Pass:

This Trail:

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Day 186:

Hiked out just after 8am in the cold and misty morning.

Started with a bit of a climb, but after Matthow Pass, it was smooth ailing for several miles until the climb up to Glacier Pass. Then I made it to Hart’s Pass (the last road crossing in the US)! Only trail between me and Canada now.

Seriously amazing views today. Plus I got up close and personal with a Marmot!

Met a NOBO who planned on getting to the border TOMORROW. 40 miles today and 27 tomorrow. Hoodini, all I have is respect for you.

Spent the night at the stock camp near Hart’s Pass.

22 miles.

Rocky:

Green:

Friend:

Vast:

Me:

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Day 187:

Rest Day.

Woke up to the lovely sound of rifle shots. There must be some hunters around here.

Read a book called The Fire Pony by Rodman Philbrick – great story about boyhood, horses, and human nature. I really enjoyed it.

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Video:

 

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Bonus Footage: