Day 139: mile 2400.8-2420.4
I was up and on the trail early this morning (8 am, go me!), despite killing 4 hours between waking up and hopping on the trail. What was I doing? Enjoying the sunrise of course, but mostly messing around with my camera…
It was a good thing I got an early start, not because I needed to climb the standard WA 5,000 feet today, but because I was getting absolutely nowhere with this scenery. I was stopping every five feet to enjoy the view (and take lots of photos so you all can enjoy it too). It was unreal.
The trail was wide open and I could see where I had come from, making the miles even more satisfying. Well, that and the berries that were lining the trail on both sides, yum!
I made it to the top of my climb and enjoyed the view of Spectacle Lake (aptly named) and the jagged rocks that surrounded it. If you’re wondering where heaven is, it’s right here in northern Washington. I could’ve stayed all day, but the miles are calling, and I must go.
Down, down, down 3,000 feet to a beautiful waterfall where I met a few section hikers and said hello to Tequila who I’d been playing tag with for days now. We all took a little break before I headed out to climb the final 3,000 feet for the day.
I made it to a bridge that was missing a few key pieces of wood. …like all the pieces that get you to the other side. Pretty funny.
The long switchbacks felt never-ending as I climbed toward camp. Those last miles were almost as slow as the first this morning, only this time it wasn’t just the view I was breaking for. Woof!
I made it to the top and said hello to my neighbors for the night, a father and daughter out for a few days. Tequila joined us shortly after I got set up. We were both surprised to see the other, he thought I was going further and I thought he was staying at the bottom, fun surprise! A few more people strolled in looking for spots, so I was happy I got there when I did. I said goodnight to everyone and hopped in my tent to make dinner and call it a day, a really really great day!
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light