August 15 - Back on Trail After Delays

August 15 - Back on Trail After Delays

Last night I stayed at the Cascadia Inn of Skykomish. The room was very small with the sink next to the bed and the shower right at the foot of the bed. I could almost take a shower in bed. I woke up several times during the night as trains blasted through town. The tracks are feet from the hotel. This morning I slept in, took another shower, got my gear together and then went down to the lounge for a cup of coffee. The pot was empty so I made some and then watched a little TV. Very little since nothing on TV ever seems to change. 

Around 9:30 I stopped into the Skykomish Deli for a breakfast burrito. Then it was over to the library to charge and use their wifi to update my phone, and to download some new podcasts. With permission of the librarian I left my stuff and headed for the post office at 11:25 to get my resupply box. The office is supposed to open at 11:30, but that clearly wasn't happening today. At about fifteen to noon the young postmaster rode in on his chariot to be greeted by seven patrons. By 12:30 I was on my way back to the library to get my stuff. Not exactly a quick turnaround. 

As I walked back across the bridge toward the deli and Highway 2 I contemplated picking up a sandwich for the road. The deli manager is very hiker friendly and asked if I wanted to eat half here and have the other half wrapped for the trail. That was a great suggestion on her part. As I stepped out toward the highway the deli window opened and the other employee asked if I'd like the sign to help me get a ride? I was a bit puzzled. She then held out a poster sized sign that read in big red and black letters, "PCT HIKER NEEDS RIDE TO STEVENS PASS." I laughed and thanked her for the offer. With the sing in hand it took 30 seconds tops to get a ride for Doug and his eight year old son. They took me to the Pass and then backtracked four miles to get to their backpacking trailhead. 

"Thanks!" to Doug and the ladies at the deli. Trail magic always seems to appear when you need it. 

With a newly heavy pack full of six days of food I started my trek a little late in the day but that couldn't be helped. I made it ten miles to Lake Janos before calling it a day. 

My destination in Canada. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)