Sept 12th
After an nice evening of good conversation with friends and good soaking in the hot tub, we slept in until almost 8:30. A dark and gloomy morning did nothing to get us moving any faster. And it confirmed the weather forecast of rain in our near future, as well as our middle and more distant future also.
As we were getting ready, Richard, a hiker we had heard about but not met was checking in. A couple of southbound section hikers named the “two Lindas” came down to the lobby and we traded notes on water, trail conditions and fellow hikers. They also had advice and maps on possible options for the big re-route coming up. They both clarified questions about, and endorsed, the high route.”
A light rains started to fall as we were packing up the packs making it harder to leave. But we were on a schedule and couldn’t afford the time to take another day off, so off we went. Monte donned a day pack and started out with us. From Snoqualamie pass the PCT stats a very long although very well graded trail back up to the mountain crest. Waterfalls, large and small, were all gushing along the misty route. Heavy rains held off for now, but the mist and ligt rains were enough to keep the rain gear on. Once again I am impressed by the hardiness of northwest resident’s – we encountered a large number of day hikers. Sure it is Sunday, but anywhere else in the country and rains like these are enough to drive most every one inside.
After several hours the trail levels our. More accurately it ends the non stop climbing and rolls along like a rollercoaster with a series of short ups and downs. We follow the narrow crest of the ridge, occasionally interrupted when the trail drops a little to do a high contours around a ridge. We walk high above basins of water. Too far down to drink yet close enough to tantalize. The glacial cirques are amazing with the interplay of shadow and light on the rocky ridges and peaks.
It is slower going over rocky terrain; the rocky trail tread with frequent climbs all mean the mileage comes more slowly. We are pushing both darkness and storm clouds when we finally stop after about 16 miles.
Fortunately we are able to set up camp and make diner before the storm sets in.
Phil “Nowhere Man” Hough
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