Welcome

We are currently on another long distance hike, and the third leg of our "triple crown", the Continental Divide Trail (the "CDT"). Come along with us if you can - if not in person then by following our grand adventure via our "posts from the trail".  Check out our Flickr Photos, which we'll update periodically, and see it through our eyes!

Our Credo...

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

September 7th

Several times last night we heard the plaintive wail of an elk bugling, looking for love. He seemed to get no response other than the occasional yipping of coyotes and hoo-hoo-hooting of a nearby owl. Then came the mice with their scritching, scratching, plastic bag tearing and chewing sounds. We doubled the “offerings” to them that we had made of cheese nip crumbs and peanuts and they still wanted to tear into the carrots snack bag. Vigilant swatting of the bags was all that kept them away. So we had a fitful night’s sleep punctuated by sounds and furry (rodents) signifying nothing but mouse hunger and ungulate lust.

The trail ascended the crest line ridge, which presented the powerful presence of Mt Rainier up close and offered panoramic views back to the Goat Rocks and Mt Adams.

We seem to be entering the very southern beginnings of the North Cascades Range. The crest is becoming more dramatic with taller peaks and steeper sides, more saddles, gaps, passes and divides. The day was clear and sunny with the coolness of autumn. Hard to imagine that only 3 weeks ago we were seeking out swimming holes and now we need to find sunlight places for breaks. Still, it’s so very nice to be walking through this area with sunshine and not rain. Ten years ago there was nothing but clouds and drizzle as I hiked this section unaware of its potential beauty.

We crossed Chinook Pass with all its cars and dayhikers. It’s a very busy place which somehow seemed very out of place.

We ended the day at Big Norse Basin, at a campsite near a spring. A few afternoon clouds built up and spilled over into evening, clingning to the ridges. But, overhead the skies are clear and nearby a coyote is yipping.

We made dinner with the only fuel available at White Pass, “Iso-Heat.” In the alcohol stoves the preferred fuel is denatured alcohol, or the auto fuel additive “Heet” (the kind that comes in the yellow bottle.) Its methyl alcohol and burns very clean. The “Heet” in the red bottle is Isopropyl alcohol, which burns cooler and produces some soot. Since it is all we could get we bought it and tonight we are trying it. The flames are wilder, more yellow and it burns more quickly, taking more fuel than normal, ad it does leave some soot, although not as bad as had feared. In short, it works. Not as well, but it does work.

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Clicking on any of these photos will take you to that specific photo on our Flickr Stream, where you can view these and many, many more photos from our latest adventure....or use this shortcut to all photos.....we hope you enjoy them!

People Shots

CDT20101_NMWCWMCDT2010_TheTrailCDT2010_NMWC-1Carrot After a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #3,768Carrot on the Trail stillCarrot takes a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #5.875Carrot on the TrailCliff Dwelling SignCarrot takes a PhotoCarrot Stream Crossing # 2,115

Scenic Shots

CDT2010-valleyCDT2010_yellowflowersCarrot on the Trail 3ScenicPotty BreakScenicCliff Dwelling Stream Vast DesertPrickly Pear 2Prickly PearPlateau at Sunset

Flora & Fauna

CDT2010_treesCDT2010_yellowflowersCDT2010-purpleflowersAngry MarmotFlora 3FloraBeaverButterfly 2FloraButterfly