Day 142: mile 2457.2-2464.7 (Stevens Pass)
Day 143: mile 2464.7-2474.3
Day 142
I was off, headed into Stevens Pass, excited for all the town amenities. The trail was getting crowded, I was close! Close enough to get service for the first time in days. I thought I’d take advantage, mistake! As I was checking emails or something unnecessary while I walked, I dropped my phone and a rock managed to hit it in the exact spot between the case and screen protector. Nooooo! It was only the corner, but still a bummer. Although I will say I’m impressed this thing still works, I’ve put it through a lot. It’s been dropped in creeks, in the snow, onto rocks… you get the idea.
On a positive note, I got a message from Stark Naked who was still doing trail magic and in Stevens Pass! This and getting my first glimpse of buildings put some extra pep in my step. I made it to the bottom and joined the other hikers.
Stark generously offered to stuff all of us in her truck and drive us over to the alpine club where we were staying for the night. Thank goodness because it was super hard to find!
We got settled and headed into Skykomish to do some laundry and grab a hot meal. There was a small train we planned to ride around the park before we left, but we were busy getting our chores done and missed our opportunity. Stark and I decided we’d pretend to ride it anyway!
Once back to the alpine club we all enjoyed a group dinner prepared by the amazing hosts, and relaxed until way past hiker midnight. I said goodbye to Stark, but I knew we’d meet again in Canada so it was a happy goodbye!
Day 143
I enjoyed breakfast, helped with the dishes, and packed up to head back to the trail. I hopped back on around 1, so it wasn’t going to be a long day. I had my eye on Lake Janus, about 10 miles out.
The hike out was crowded, and so were the campsites. It was a Saturday, so lots of groups and families out for the weekend. It makes me smile seeing kids out learning and enjoying nature, even if they did have all the really good campsites.
I set up and as I was preparing dinner tragedy struck again, only this time it was worse than a little crack in the corner of my phone. I left my spork at the alpine club! I knew exactly where it was, sitting next to the sink where I was doing dishes. I guess my pen will have to do for the next 5 days. The silver lining, I finally have an excuse to switch over to a spoon.
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light