Hikingsolo on the PCT: August 6

August 6 - Knife Edge

The wind blew all night while the red moon made it slowly across the sky. I wasn't sure if it was the wind or the light of the moon that kept me awake, but by 4:00 I was thinking about hitting the trail. I made oatmeal and tea for a leisurely breakfast in bed. By 5:30 I was crossing a large patch of snow and peering ahead as to where the trail went.

I was totally unprepared for what I saw! A short distance ahead the trail followed the knife edge of a ridge that stretched out of sight. As I approached the knife edge I looked back to see if anyone was following. "If a hiker falls off a knife edge and no one is around will he make a sound?" I expect so, but I wasn't going to give it a try. The trail was extremely rocky so footing was a problem. I took it exceedingly slow and still slipped or tripped a couple of times. Halfway across the two mile long stretch I met a girl hiking south. She said, "I was totally unprepared for this! I was wondering what everyone was making a fuss about." Now we know. The short hike was totally exhilarating!

The rest of the day was spent trying to make it to White Pass for my resupply. I'm a day ahead, and that's good because everyone says that from Snoqualamie Pass north takes longer that most expect. I hope to make up additional time on this section.

My resupply was doubled by my good friends Deb and Rick Fuller! If you've been reading this blog for a while then you have met Deb and Rick and know that Deb made an untimely exit from the trail last year (she's recovering and hoping for 2018). Deb and Rick have hearts of gold and arranged to send me a goody box. It had all kinds of things hikers love: candy bars, bacon (yes, bacon), meals and deserts, hydration mixers, BenGay (used immediately on an ankle strain), and two cans of anchovy stuffed olives. There was so much that I might have left something out. So it was Christmas for my hiker friends. We ate the candy bars and shared around items mostly from my resupply including some Mountain House meals, granola, and a few other items. One can of olives was fought over by my new Taiwanese friends NoEnglish and Burger. Anything I couldn't carry beyond the next six days went to the hiker box. Let me tell you, there were some happy hikers! Thanks Deb and Rick!

Sunrise in Goat Rocks Wilderness.

Oh boy! What have I gotten my self into? Had to tie my hat on my head to keep from losing it over the edge.

Yes, the trail is on that ridge behind me.

Hiker resupply at the 76 Station, aka Kracker Barrel Store and Deli.