Day 153: mile 2649.4-2653.1 (+ bonus miles, boo!) CANADA!
My morning didn’t start out much better than the day ended last night. The campsite was full of poop-landmines. There was toilet paper everywhere, and I guess no one bothered to actually dig a hole, just move a rock and place it back on top. Yuck, get me out of here!
Despite the landmines, I was SO excited I think I could’ve sprinted the 4 miles to the terminus! On my way I ran into Stuck Foot who was making the 30 mile walk back to Harts Pass. I was so happy I got to say goodbye. While chatting with him, I also discovered I should have just hiked the miles last night, everyone had stayed at the campsite just after the terminus. My fear was that I wouldn’t be able to go back in the morning for photos because you’re not supposed to cross back over the border. This is not the case if you find yourself in this situation. You’d be fine camping just after and walking back for photos.
As I approached the terminus every emotion overwhelmed me. I was laughing, crying, sad it was (almost) over, excited, in disbelief, and of course most of all proud! Even though this was not the end of my journey, it kind of felt like it since this was supposed to be my original ending point. Oh how things change! I sat there for a few minutes and took it all in while I drank my celebratory beer. I was the only one there, so I then proceeded to make a rock pile to hold my trekking pole up so I could place my little tripod on top. It was quite the set up. A photoshoot followed until another hiker walked up and we took turns taking photos for each other. He’d been section hiking the PCT for years and finally finished, so it was really special to share that moment with him.
We said our goodbyes, knowing we’d probably see each other at Manning Park and headed out to hike the bonus miles I’d heard were so horrible from the hosts back in Stevens Pass. I was delighted when I saw the trail crew had just done some work, it was beautiful. …still a buzz kill having to do all these extra miles after such an accomplishment. Once I made it to the downhill I ran most of the last 4 miles, I just wanted to get there already!
I arrived at the parking lot and immediately spotted Stark Naked’s truck. She had so kindly offered to give Pineapples and I a ride across the border. I knew I’d find her at some point, but I was on the lookout for Pineapples, we decided to share a room here, and I was in need of a shower. I forgot to shower in Stehekin (yes, that right, I forgot in true hiker trash style haha), so my legs were FILTHY! My sunscreen seems to attract and hold onto dirt almost as well as it blocks the sun. I found her pretty easily and managed to use the whole bar of soap to get myself cleaned up.
Green Bean and Stark were also sharing a room with us, so once we were all in the same place the 4 of us headed to dinner. Everything was twice as amazing as it really was I’m sure, and I could’ve eaten two dinners, but I decided to save my money and went with a bag of chips instead. Back to the room for a movie and some sleep. Tomorrow we’re on our way to Seattle where I’ll then make my way back to San Diego for some rest and Sierra prep. Only 500 miles to go!
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light