July 29 - Almost to Washington State

July 29 - Almost to Washington State

20 miles today at a leisurely pace put me within 16 miles of Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods gateway to Washington State. Along to way I said goodbye to Mt. Hood, although I'm sure I'll be able to see it in the south for weeks to come. I said hello to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier, and Mt. Adams. Although St. Helens was somewhat obscured by smoke on the distant horizon it was clearly the winner among the thru hiker bunch. It was exciting to think of how tall it must have been before it blew its top. 

Destruction by fire was a concern for the hikers too. Eagle Creek Alternate was closed due to a fire that started 4th of July. Presumably some idiot hikers on the Alternate decided that it was okay to set off fireworks in the forest. How stupid can you be? The fire smoldered for weeks and then decided to make a move. 80 hotshots came in but the terrain was too rough and dangerous to keep them working, so helicopters were called in. The fire was in wilderness and policy usually dictates that we leave them be, but politics have interfered. Too much smoke and too many people who want to use popular trails meant that the helicopters worked all day today and yesterday to fight the fire. We watched them form atop Indian Mountain and from Waltham Lake. Every three minutes they dropped water for hours straight. 

We were all disappointed that we couldn't take the Alternate where the trail snakes behind a waterfall. It's one of those iconic moments we hate to miss, but it's better to be safe. 

Adios Mt. Hood

Right outside my tent. 

Streaming water on the way to the fire. 

End of day selfie. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)