Washington

A southbound hiker begins the PCT on steep, exposed slopes and more elevation gain and loss than any other part of the trail passing one volcano after another like pearls on a necklace including Rainier.

PCT Day 29, ‘zero,’ Stevenson, WA

You always had the power, my dear; you just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda, the good witch of the north what I did on my vacation from the trail: 1. soaked in really hot water – four times, then one more time with epsom salts 2. ate a second breakfast (or was that a third?) 3. lounged in the lounge with reasonably decent wifi

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PCT Day 28, Rock Creek to Cascade Locks, 20 miles

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die.  And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. – Eleanor Roosevelt The men are awake and out by 3:15. True to their word, they are absolutely quiet packing up. They’re heading north to ‘meet their wives,’ they tell me from a very snug two man tent. I sleep beautifully in my tiny spot under […]

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PCT Day 27, ‘pool of water’ to Rock Creek, 27 miles

If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. – Erica Jong My morning begins with Zach stirring, wanting to “get up early and bust out miles.” The mist is down and I’m concerned the ladies won’t get the great views. Judy drops by my tent as I sip chococoffee to show me how small her tent packs down. She’s persistent, but I imagine it will make me a customer. I forgot to mention that […]

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