Day 138: mile 2393.6-2400.8
The bunk was a nice change from my usual sleeping pad, but I still managed to wake up a few times during the night. Apparently my body wanted to take full advantage of indoor plumping. I woke up at 11:45, 1:45, and 4:45 to pee, obnoxious! Normally that’s a pain, but even more so when the bathroom is down three flights of stairs and you’ve got the hiker hobble (that’s when your feet hurt first thing in the morning, or the middle of the night in this case, and you look like a goofball trying to walk).
Once I was up for the day, I headed downstairs where our wonderful hosts were making breakfast. I grabbed a cup of hot coffee and sat down to organize my food and book my flight home from Seattle. I gave myself a nice cushion to get there because you never know what might happen in 250 miles. I’m making a quick pit stop in San Diego for some RnR and reorg before the Sierra.
After taking way too long to get myself together, I headed out. I had 3,000 feet to climb in about 6 miles and it was already late afternoon, oops.
I headed up, and up, and up, and then up some more. Still not there yet, I kept climbing. Finally I was above the tree line and Washington was showing me what it is all about from here to the border, views.
On top of the beauty surrounding me in every direction, I could see the highway I started at, and it looked so far down. It was such a good feeling. I high-fived myself and kept moving.
With only a few miles left to my campsite for the night, and most of the hard work done, I fully enjoyed my surroundings. Walking in awe with a big smile on my face, I rounded the final curve to find Ridge Lake, home for the night. I chose to stay above the lake with a view of the mountains rather than lakeside. I’m hoping the sun will pop up tomorrow and warm my tent. It’s definitely been a lot more chilly the past week or so.
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light