I’m finally back in my home state, and in this 246 mile section of trail, I walk across the iconic Bridge of the Gods into Washington, pass by Mount Adams and through Mount Rainier National Park, and visit my hometown near Snoqualmie Pass.
We came upon several campsites just before the bridge at Rock Creek, all of which were packed full. There was a group of weekend warriors in one site, drinking bottles of wine. Some other thru hikers were drinking with them, and they enthusiastically invited us to join them. I was nearly sleep walking at this point, and passed on the offer so that I could go make camp on the opposite side of the creek. I found a nice spot across the bridge, nestled within some old growth Pacific Cedars and Western Hemlock.
Trout Lake is a tiny town, with only a small store, a cafe and a gas station, but it’s hiker friendly. I go to the store and pick up my box from REI, containing my new shoes. I’m going to keep my trail runners on me until my boots are properly broken in, just to be on the safe side of things. I go to lunch at the cafe, devouring a cheeseburger, onion rings and huckleberry milkshake. Back at the store, I see packages for both Fun Size and Shake n’ Bake, and Bear Bait goes about drawing phallic pictures and writing abuse across the boxes. We’re a bit surprised they aren’t already in town, as they took off a day ahead of us. We don’t wait around, however, and hustle a ride back to the trail from a local with a vintage pickup truck.
By early evening, the weather has improved and the sun has made an appearance, although it is still chilly out. We come upon a paved road crossing, where some trail magic has been left in a bear proof garbage can. There’s little left for us, however, except for a few random items that were left by other thru hikers. We cross the road and make our way to the next established campsite, but it’s already full of people and their dirt bikes. We push on, hoping to have better luck ahead.
We finally find a spacious spot next to a creek, where some familiar thru hikers are already making camp.
By the morning, I’m no longer peeing blood and feeling better. We head up the highway and get back on the trail, late in the morning. I’m avoiding taking ibuprofen now, but my body is a wreck with aches and pains.
The day is much cooler than the previous, with a light breeze making us layer up under wool long underwear. The scenery surrounding us is beautiful, with the trail skirting Mount Rainier and crossing alpine meadows.
It’s a miserable day: powerful winds blowing the rain in sideways. It’s terribly cold, and hard to function. We’re both shivering from the cold, and can’t seem to get warm no matter how fast we hike. We stop for water and a quick break at a spring, and one of the hikers from the party crowd catches up to us. He says they’re headed to the cabin as well, and Bear Bait and I give each other a look of “oh shit.” They were bothersome enough from the next camp over, and we’re pretty convinced it’s only going to be worse inside a small cabin.
By the afternoon, we’re both stiff from the cold and incredibly tired. We decide against the cabin, as the rest of the party crowd has passed us. We find a campsite in the trees next to a creek, set up the tents and crawl inside for the remainder of the evening.
By morning, the storm had passed and the sun was shining once again
The weather changes again for the worst by the evening, and we make camp after a 20 mile day at Mirror Lake.
My family has come to collect me, and I head into my home town for the rest of the day where I’m pampered with cheeseburgers, a hot soak in the bath, fresh laundry and puppy kisses. It feels so good to be home! But I know I shouldn’t get to comfortable, and head back to Snoqualmie Pass in the evening to continue my hike north to Canada.
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