Murda - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2016

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Journal Entry

Day 142 - Mile 2569

Got into Stehekin this morning, my last town stop for the trail. It's a really small tourist town in the middle of the North Cascades National Park, by Lake Chelan. There's a bus that will bring hikers in from the trail, otherwise the only way to get there is by ferry. The bus stopped at the bakery on the way in, and also to point out a little family of black bears. Then, I picked up my last resupply box. Box 25 of 25, thanks to my parents, one hundred percent success! We got in some laundry and showers, a swim, and relaxed on the lawn by the lake. There was no cell service, but I was able to get ahold of my mom with the pay phone. She informed me that my grandfather is not doing so well. I will be trying to get home as soon as possible once I get to Canada.

Due to the camping restrictions in this area, we obtained permits for camping a mile out. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite on the PCT, so a nice ranger helped us get to a spot nearby where we could camp for the night. We're all cuddled up in a three walled cabin.

Day 143 - Mile 2592

It got a little hot today. It was also almost all uphill. We were treated to some trail magic near the end of the day from a couple of hikers that just finished the trail.

The tent-site we were planning on was full, and it was too late in the evening to keep going knowing there wouldn't be many options ahead, so we got a little creative.

I don't think I was really feeling the whole walking thing today, but I just have to push through a few more days. I still have mixed emotions: I'm ready to stop walking, but not ready to leave the trail.

Day 144 - Mile 2617

Another beautiful day on the PCT! We went over Cutthroat and Methow pass this morning, which were awesome. Then, over and past Glacier pass this afternoon. The clouds were rolling in throughout the day which cut down on the heat, but we still had visibility, and a pretty sweet sunset.

There are lots of birds up here, constantly running and flying down the trail, and in and out of the brush beside it. There are also a lot of hornets. Nearly everyone in our group has been stung, at least once. Some weird insect bites have been popping up on my legs, and my ear lobes have some kind of strange infection. I'm looking forward to getting home to heal them.

Day 145 - Mile 2644

Washington is giving us a proper send off with cold, wet, and rainy weather. I so cold, and everything is wet. It started raining as we went to bed last night, and hasn't stopped since. Packing up in the rain is rough, and then rough again when you're having trouble getting feeling in your fingers. My advice to someone wanting to hike the trail: bring waterproof gloves.

Day 146 - Mile 2650:CANADA!

Getting up and packing was rough, with the cold temps and wet gear. Especially putting on wet shorts, and slipping my feet into cold, wet shoes. But once we got going, the 6 miles to the monument flew by. Bamboo and MK were already there, along with a few others, and gave us a welcome reception. After all the high fives and congratulations, Bamboo got down on his knee at the monument and proposed to MK. Wahoo, congrats! We then took lots of photos, ate some snacks, and signed our last trail register. There was another 8 miles or so to hike from the monument to get to the closest town of Manning Park, which we all hiked together.

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, and encouraging notes along the way. It was great to have such a wonderful team of support from my friends and family. I made it! It's very surreal right now.

Entry 28 of 29
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