PCT 2022 #9 Washington

2022 PCT take 2 3 Minutes

CASCADE LOCKS, OR (mile 2147) to SNOQUALMIE PASS, WA (mile 2394.1).

Jobie and Zip ready to go with new shoes again.

Humidity was high as we left the locks and slogging slowly we moved ourselves up through the trees into the mountains again. The heat caused a haze so that the few views of the Columbia River area that we found were blurry. All was redeemed at days end as we found a rainforest creek campsite with a cool pool to dip in and a curious turquoise sculptured rock face. Nature has never let us down. There are times of strain of the mind or of the body on this trail but sticking to it has always rewarded us.

Turquoise swirl of rock
Cool pool with clear so clear water
Making our home for the night in the creek bed itself. PEACE.
Walking away from Mount Hood

During the last 50 miles of Oregon we began to notice the vegetation changing to a northern familiar mix of flora. Berry bushes become abundant and the types of conifer trees evolve to firs, hemlocks, balsam with a black tone to their green and a narrower stance. Cedars are now sprinkled in the mix.

Pit stop to fetch water off trail
Jobie’s birthday camp with Mount Hood watching over us.
The next night we bed down in full view of Mount Rainier.
Blue Lake, a melt-in-your-eyes, swimming blue.
Trail Angels Tom and Daryl served us tacos, lime juice,and great conversation
Huckleberries by the handful!
Huckleberries and blueberries distract us from the trail
Mount Adams, the second tallest Mountain in Washington
Mount Adams 12,280′
As we sit looking at Mount Adams, Mount St. Helen’s is behind us, Mount Hood sits to our right and Mount Rainier peaks up on our left. Surrounded by volcanoes!
Jobie using the filter to fetch water. Washington is full of clear cold springs and creeks
Crossing the rushing waters coming down from glaciers on Mount Adams. We haven’t had to cross active waters like this since the Sierras!
A morning walk…we are going to miss this!
The beginning of Goat Rocks Wilderness
A giant cairn mimicking the giant Mt Rainier
Climbing up to the high point of Goat Rocks Wilderness
Look closely to find the trail runs on the very crest of this massive ridge!
At times a little steep and at times a little narrow, the trail is truly a “crest” trail here.
True to the area’s name we spotted a group of 14 mountain goats grazing or lying on the snow. A mama goat took a vigorous dirt bath to soothe or debug herself.
So glad that wind wasn’t a factor that day!
In every direction an overwhelmingly rich view. It was hard to take it all in.

On the descent from the high ridge we came across a llama train. Four women and 4 llamas on an adventure. Since llamas are not easily approachable I was taught that to introduce oneself to these animals you breathe on each other for several breaths. The llama Dyllan leaned his snout forward as did I and without touching we exchanged breaths back and forth, back and forth. Afterward he tolerated me standing nearby him. So cool!

Jobie and Jay Bird, one of the most experienced hikers on trail. By coincidence we met up at our resupply at White Pass!
Mount Rainier makes a wonderful background don’t you think?
Dewey Lake where Zip spies the merganzers…
And Jobie has his reviving swim.
Sunrise and the shifting clouds
Clouds allowed us a tiny glimpse of the big one.
Low cloud stayed with us for most of the day which motivated us to keep on moving for warmth.
A brief clearing of cloud.

So, as we were making our way to Snoqualmie Pass, I came down with a stomach virus during the night. Indoor plumbing would have been real nice. My biggest fear was not being able to unzip 3 zippers fast enough to exit the tent in time!! In the morning we decided to leave the trail asap on a logging road so that I could recover and if/when Jobie got the sickness we could be in a town with better resources. So we started slowly walking for about 11 miles on the trail to a dirt road…after 1.5 hours walking the road the first vehicle showed up; a bright blue jeep creating dust clouds. The local campers stop to ask us how to get out of there. We bargain our GPS access with a ride. They thought they needed our help but it turned out that our map was wrong and would have led us up to a dead end mountain top instead of the highway. These people truly rescued us from ourselves!! They took us to our hotel where we have since recovered and feel so fortunate that they found us!!

The Pacific Crest Trail is drawing us closer to the Canadian border and monument. We expect to finish mid September full of twisted emotions of which I can already feel surfacing…

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Published by Zip and Jobie

Doing our thing! Right on!

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4 thoughts on “PCT 2022 #9 Washington”

  2. What beautiful pictures. I can’t imagine how it must feel to think of finishing this adventure. I go through transition after a week of camping! Really enjoying your commentary and pictures.
    Anne

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  3. Looking forward to your return. Remember you need to use the ArriveCan app or you have to stay in the US. And enjoy the rest of your time on the trail.

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  4. looking forward to seeing you! Your re-entry will be tough I bet. Even for David and I to come back to the city after 4 months on Saturna is a BIG adjustment. We head back to the island October 4 th to 11th and of course you are welcome ! Fabulous pictures! what an amazing time you have had and are having!
    much Love! Safe arrival!
    Marisa ( and David)

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