PCT 132 – Canada

Daily miles – 20 (including 8+ miles out to the Manning Park Lodge)
Total miles – 2650

We did it! We made it to Canada!

Our night was one of the more sleepless nights on the trail,  unfortunately .   We were camped just below Woody Pass  and had our hammocks set up on a small saddle.   Over night the wind kicked up very strongly.   So strong,  we were concerned the guy lines would rip out of the tarp.   Our stakes popped out a few times,  but that was the worst of it,  thankfully. It rained over night,  but there was plenty of wind after the end of the rain to dry out our tarps.
About 7 am,  we got rolling and started walking. The first several miles were a ridge walk where we walked back and forth our final ridge of the trail. We had views of Mt Baker’s glacial slopes. The clouds hid much of the views, but it was still nice to see a little bit of a big mountain.

After going over the last pass, Hopkins Pass, we passed Hopkins lake and continued to the border. From the lake, the walking was steadily descending to the border.

Getting close to the border, we could see the cut through woods which delineates the border. Coming even closer, we saw a printed out ‘congratulations’ sign made by Ace, Mountain Man’s wife. We arrived at Monument 78 and the Pacific Crest Trail terminus marker around 12:30. Ace was there, as was a bunch of other hikers that just finished the trail this morning. Ace had brought champagne and strawberries for us to enjoy a toast at the border.

We stayed at the border for over an hour, hanging out with other hikers, taking photos, reading the trail register.

The walk from the monument out to the Manning Park Lodge is another 8.8 miles. The first few miles were a little rough climbing over downfalls and washed out trail, but not terrible. The last few miles are on an old jeep trail that is easy walking.

Arriving at the parking lot, Gazelle’s parents and brother were there to greet us with donuts and Cheesies (Canadian Cheetoes). We headed over to the resort and checked into our room, showered and had dinner in the pub. It was an early night, we were tired and were in bed by 9.

We were all happy to have made it to the end of the trail. It is always bitter sweet to finish a trail. Joy for achieving the goal, sad to be finished with the journey. We are very thankful to have made great memories and great friends this summer on the PCT.

An afterward post will come in a week or two, reflecting on the journey.