Day 128-130 – Feeling at home

Day 128

Last night I camped before dark for the first time in a long time and it felt great. Yesterday it was 23 miles and today it’s about the same distance, including the climb to Knifes Edge. If you’re reading a PCT blog, you probably already know what it is, but it’s a small section of the PCT just south of White Pass where you hike along the spectacular narrow ridge. It will take some work to get there, especially since for me today we are around the 19 mile mark, but it will be worth it.

LP and I were on the road shortly after 6am this morning, and agreed to take slightly less leisurely breaks than we’ve actually taken in the past few days. It’ll be scorching hot when we get to Knife’s Edge, but I’m sure we’ll be fine. Hopefully the elevation will keep things a little cooler.

Day 129

Yesterday was an amazing hike in Goat Rocks Wilderness, ending with a campsite in front of a waterfall. Saw moose on the ridge in the morning and hiked to an amazing sunrise. The trails in Washington are amazing and it’s good to be home.

This morning, we had 15 miles to the highway and then to Cracker Barrel, where I picked up a resupply box, ate some snacks, showered, and did laundry. The weather was warm all day, until we reached the trail. From there, the downpour came hard and fast, and the trail turned into a river. Fortunately, after about an hour, it started to subside. I hope to walk long enough for my clothes to dry.

The plan is to do another 5-6 miles total and end the day with 20-21 miles. I hope to reach Snoqualmie Pass for breakfast in 4 1/2 days and then spend the night there, so I can have a full 24 hours to recover before hitting the border.

I’m excited to have my son join us on the 70 mile stretch from Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass. We’ll cut miles just a little, but he’s young and athletic, and should do well. Barring a major slowdown, it should reach the border within two days of the estimate. I surrendered in April.

Day 130

It’s great to be home again, especially on the hiking sections I’ve done before. The first part of this section from White Pass to Snoqualmie is as easy as I remember, but I know I have some fantastic views ahead of me.

There are some small fires ahead of us near Chinook Pass. Both are several miles off the trail, and I hope we can get over Chinook Pass and a little further out to get into the safest area for the fire and keep the trail continuous. The Canadian border is now less than 350 miles from here, which is a big number, but so small now that I’ve walked 2,300.

The people on the trail around me, including my hiking partner, LP, are just fantastic. There is a small group of us who made it this far, and we all definitely share some camaraderie in knowing that we have all completed the journey here and are so close to the end.

Somehow, I want to end this walk. In other ways, I never want this to end. I’m excited, I’m scared, I’m happy and I’m sad. One thing is for sure, and I will cherish every step ahead of me on this journey.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.