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Day 64: mile 1286.7-1301.9

Made it out of Belden today after my unintended Zero yesterday. To say it was a climb out would be an understatement. It was a 6,000 foot ascent over just about 14 miles and I felt it. Phew! 

On top of the climb it was still pretty hot and humid out, and the trail was like a battle zone. Trees and branches littered the trail and the streams. In a way I guess it made some of the creek crossings a bit easier, more to step on to keep my feet dry. 

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I arrived at Chips Creek, which was a crossing I’d been warned about. It looked pretty questionable to cross solo to me, so I went back to the side trail the gentleman who gave me the warning told me about, trying to make the safe choice. I’m not so sure which was safer the river or what I got myself into today? 🤣So began my off-trail, bushwhacking bonanza! 

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It started out fine, there was an actual trail. Even when I had to take my pack off to go under some branches I still had faith in the trail, but when it disappeared and left me high above another stream, not so much. I thought I spotted a safe place to cross above, so up I went. …and then up I continued for 2,000 feet. The crossing didn’t work out, but at that point I’d gone up slippery rock and through bushes, so up seemed safer than down. 

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The views were awesome, but the lack of trail made for some rough terrain. Crazy as it sounds the easiest part of my day was the rock climbing portion, it was really fun too. I I got to use some of the skills I learned last summer during my NOLS course, which did keep me safer. 

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I made it to the top after who knows how long, and followed a forest road for about a mile before cutting over to the PCT. Hey, at least I avoided the snow until that point! Silver lining. 😂

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No joke, as soon as I was just about back to the trail Dipity came walking out of nowhere. I was so excited to see her! We finished up the day together and set up camp. 

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The word  easy doesn’t describe my day, and I should have backtracked the one time I thought about doing it. However, even though my day was wild, I didn’t feel like I put myself in real danger. Would I do it again? Heck no, way too many bushes. 😂 I’d probably take my chances in the river, especially knowing Dipity made it across solo. The important part is I made it and lessons were learned. I feel pretty damn proud of myself for keeping my cool no matter what was thrown at me, oh and killing that climb! Going to sleep real well tonight! 

Goodnight! 

XOXO Becks