PCT 122 – Steven’s Pass

Daily miles –  19
Total miles – 2461

Good night of sleep with plenty of sleep for us.   Even though we got rolling in the dark at 6am, we both were well rested.   We had no condensation on anything.   This has become more of a concern once we entered Washington,  where it is generally damper than the rest of the trail.

Lots of steep ups and downs today.   We had a section that was over 700 feet of elevation gain over a half mile.   Thankfully,  the trail was built so well it did not feel to bad.  It also helps that we are in fairly good respiratory and muscular (at least in our legs)  health by now.

Lots of good views of pretty lakes and colors throughout the meadows as the bushes are changing color. The steep climbs had us going over mountain passes and saddles so we’d have great views in direction followed by more in the opposite direction after a short bit.

We had a slight time crunch today as we were trying to make it to Steven’s Pass by 5pm to pick up our packages.   When we arrived at 4:10,  things were nearly locked up in the part of the building that handles the packages,  and we nearly missed the guy.   Luckily Gazelle had already picked up her package and phoned Mountain Man,  telling him that we needed to get down to the lodge quickly.   After getting our package,  we got an ice cream  and snacks from the gift shop.   We sorted out our food box and recharged out on the patio in front of the lodge.

Around 7pm, we headed over to the parking lot where Copper tone was doing trail magic.   We had some sodas and brownies and fruit,  and signed his hiker register for the last time.   He has been great to see at so many road crossings on the trail this year.   A treat for everyone.

Tonight we are camped on the back porch of the lodge.   We have our hammocks hung under an outdoor stairwell on metal poles.   It should work out well.