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 26, Mosquito Creek to forest near ‘crisp, cool, mystical, scoopable pool of water,’ 27 miles
We all have an unsuspected reserve of strength inside that emerges when life puts us to the test. —Isabel Allende