I’ve been trying to decide of there’s an appropriate metaphor for hiking the PCT. Maybe a baseball game? Announcer Joe: A haggard-looking Smokebeard takes the mound for the top of the ninth inning. After all this work, his clothes are falling off his frame, and boy, look at that five o’clock shadow! You have to…
Category: Smokebeard
PCT141 – 2393 – Snoqualmie Pass
Terse post, not much quality time, power and wifi at the same time. Aug 28 – 9.6 Escaping White Pass was another tricky move. Food, showers, coffee, wifi … all these things contributed to my 3pm departure. But, the trail was easy, and there was a nice lake. We were crowded, since a lot of…
PCT Musings – 10 signs you’re in Washington
If, one morning you’re hiking in the cold fog along a ridgeline with no view, and/or it’s September, you just might be in Washington. Consult this handy checklist to be sure: 1. Waking up cold and hiking cold Elevation, latitude and the calendar combine so that you can see your breath in the morning. I’ve…
PCT136 – 2295 – White Pass
It was a very hard to leave Trout Lake today. The Sun was shining, there was a breeze, the weather was nice, and there was plenty of good food and good people at hand. But, as I have said before, the trail does not hike itself. A lot of hikers were taking the day off;…
PCT133 – 2229 – Trout Lake
Leaving Cascade Locks. Another Ent. “Ah, young Master Smokebeard. I’m glad you’ve come. Hooom.” I spent $350 on food and postage for all of Washington. It’s a lot, but less than a dollar per mile. And nobody likes going hungry. The famous Bridge of the Gods was a test of courage. It shakes in thewind…