Day 124: mile 2187.6-2208.8
Back on the uphill to start the morning. I had to complete the last 1,500 feet of the climb I began yesterday.
Today was no different with regards to the weather, the heat and humidity were firing up right around the same time as me, which meant the sweat-fest continued all day and my entire body was drenched.
As I reached the top of the climb the views really started opening up. They continued throughout the day, giving me hope that this might be the point in Washington where the scenery begins to look less like the green tunnel and more like the open skies I love so much, yes! The vegetation seems to be changing too, I’m getting excited!
I passed by Blue Lake, stopping for a bit of water in my attempt to stay hydrated out here. It was pretty tempting to stay, but I wanted to hike a little further to set myself up to make the shuttle into Trout Lake tomorrow evening. I should have plenty of time, but you never know what the day might bring out here, so I trekked on.
Just before camp I heard from my buddy Ring Master who hiked through most of Nor Cal with me. Whoa, it had been a while! That bum never made it back on trail after his injuries, I had to give him a hard time for that.
I chose an off-trail campsite at Bear Lake. Rare for me, I never go too far off-trail for anything, I figure I’ve got enough miles to walk as it is, but you should see this place! Worth every extra step!
As I was heading down to fill my water for the night I noticed swarms of bugs by the lake. Oh no, I don’t think so mosquitoes, you’re not getting me. I swiftly returned to my pack to put on my bug net and pants.
Of course when I got back to the water I realized they were not in fact mosquitoes. Whatever, better safe than itchy!
Just before it got dark a couple of girls came over to chat about my experience on the trail. They’re both thinking about heading out at some point. I love chatting with people about this, so I indulged as long as they let me and then said goodnight. And now, I’m going to do the same to you!
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light (That’s my trail name in case you missed that. I feel like I should’ve been signing all of my posts this way from mile 400 or so on since that’s what everyone calls me out here.)