July 17th 2020
Mile 80.7 to Mile 100.2
My first 20 mile day!!! (I know I’m 0.5 miles short but it counts, okay?) I finally think I’m turning a corner for the better here. I left camp at 7am as usual and saw more deer. I started the climb through a forested section out of Stehekin.
There were plenty of huckleberries again and even though I was clicking my poles to make noise I saw TWO BEARS today!! As I came up over a hill a bear and I saw each other at the same time. Before I could even get a clear view of it, it did a 180 on the trail and I just saw its furry little bear butt running away. Then out to my right was ANOTHER one. This one was a brown color but definitely still a black bear. It was too preoccupied mowing down huckleberries to even pay attention to me. So I just scooted along the trail to get away. Honestly, not as scary as I thought it would be.
Most of the morning was in the forest near the most crystal clear river I’ve ever seen. It was the prettiest shade of teal and it was rushing pretty quickly. Idk when salmon season is but apparently salmon come up it. I was feeling pretty good today because I discovered a foot hack: every break I’ll stick my poor swollen feet into an icy stream. It helps with the swelling and it numbs my feet so I cant feel the pain lol.
As I got toward the part of the trail where you need to cross the river, Denver (the thru hiker I saw yesterday) caught up to me again. We talked some more about snow conditions and he told me there were two hikers behind me and three more leaving town tomorrow. It’s nice to know there are people around.
He crossed over the river on a tiny log and I choose a larger one, but I got stuck behind a large boulder. As I was trying to climb over a bunch of logs I lost my balance and fell completely onto my back. Literally like an upside down turtle, my legs and arms went into the air and my pack hit the ground. Luckily it didn’t hurt because I just landed on my backpack/sleeping bag. And even more luckily, Denver didn’t see because I was behind the boulder.
I spent the rest of the day leapfrogging with Denver and the two other hikers that left town today (Emily and Lucas). The afternoon was a steady climb with bushwhacking and forested sections. We eventually hit a couple of different valleys that were absolutely beautiful. But then, we hit more snow.
The last 4 miles or so to camp was full of snowfields. Which is not good news for the next two days approaching Glacier Peak. I’m hoping we’re able to pass through, otherwise we will need to backtrack and take an alternate route.
And also, Denver says that the foot pain never goes away. He did the whole AT earlier this year and took a three week break before starting the PCT. He says at best, you just get used to it. And then when it’s all over your feet will still be super tender. So that’s something to look forward to.
Now I’m camping with Denver, Emily, and Lucas which is honestly so nice. Between that and the hiking feeling better it was a very good day. Now we’re falling asleep to the sound of screaming marmots in the distance.