Hikingsolo on the PCT: August 11

August 11 - Short Hike

The night at the Washington Ski Club (not its official name, but I couldn't find it) was wonderful. I slept extremely well with all of my gear either on the bed or hanging nearby. Even the other seven people in the room didn't bother me. I woke as usual at 5:00, but drifted back to sleep for and hour or so. Around 6:30 I went down to the kitchen where coffee had just been brewed. While sitting with the Irish hiker Peer Pressure and one of the volunteer caretakers many stories were told.

Around nine I took off for the grocery store, aka Exxon Station to pick up something fatty and cheesy to supplement my diet. I also had a piece of fried chicken and a chicken sandwich with a coke. By the time I got back to the lodge there were pancakes on the griddle. Perfect! Another breakfast.

I was in no hurry to leave as I wanted to rest my feet. By noon I was ready to go and headed up hill for the next seven miles. After arriving at the lake I had planned on staying at I realized I would go a little crazy since it was only three thirty and I didn't really have anything to do. So I hiked on another three miles and set up camp closer to five thirty.

While setting up camp I talked with two sets of hikers looking for water. One group was six young men who decided to camp in the meadow next to me. I was a little surprised they had no idea where to get water as that is the most important thing I've learned about backpacking. Water location is critical everywhere except the High Sierra. Both groups had tried and failed to reach a lake about five hundred feet below us. When asked if I knew of a way down I said that if there was one it would be a trail on our maps. I used my apps to tell them there was a water source another mile up the trail. The boys took off their packs and went for water while the other group was hoping there would be camping nearby.

The start of The Catwalk, a sheer cliff to the right and a solid wall straight up on the left.

On the Catwalk.

Nice intro to the Northern Cascades.

Camping above the lake.