Harts Pass
10th September
Mileage 23.3
Golden Creek (2613.8) to Bushcamp (2637.1)
Miles from Canada 23 (37km)
I was awfully slow at packing up and getting on trail this morning. As I was packing up my tent I watched a hiker run past me. That’s right, run past me. He didn’t even see me. I later heard he was trying to hike/run a 50-60 mile day all the way to Canada. Good luck with that, each to their own.
As for me it was a slow morning climbing up to Glacier Pass then up to some stunning ridge walking. As I was climbing I caught up to a large group of youths with their trip leaders.
One of the trip leaders was Gretchen, also known as Lighting Pad and later Dirty Bowl. I hiked with her for the first week in the desert. We hadn’t seen each other since Warner Springs, Day 6, over 2500 miles ago. So great to catch up with her. After leading the youths along the trail she will rejoin and finish a couple of days behind me. I love it how stuff like this happens on the trail.
The views from the hike along the high ridges were equal to some of the most stunning mountain scenery of the whole hike. The trail wound its way around from the crest of one ridge to another. Each presenting me with another view of endless rugged peaks and deep valleys.
I descended to Harts Pass rather tired and ready for a break. A local trail angel called Meander was there. He was eager for good conversation and equally eager to feed me.
In Australia we would call it a ‘Sausage Sanga’, a sausage sandwich. Apparently it’s called a bratwurst or something over here! A couple of muffins and some sugar drinks lifted both my energy and spirits. I hiked on a couple more miles before darkness started approaching. Again I camped alone.
Tomorrow I’ll be in Canada. This is really happening, I’m really doing this.
Next : Day 147 I just hiked from Mexico to Canada on the PCT
The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List
PCT Gear Review
I was also privileged to get trail magic from Meander at Hart’s Pass. He was also providing lots of rides for hikers trying to navigate the Blankenship fire detour.
Holy crap – I just saw the date in the and realized with a delay you are off the trail most likely!?! Congratulations!!!
Yes, all done, thanks.
Oh Shepherd I’m so excited for you! I know by now you are done, but I’m reading your blog like a great novel I don’t want to end!
Thank you again for taking the time to share your journey with everyone. Good luck on your next adventure!
Thanks Gina, like a good book there will be a sequel!
I agree with Heather. That 10 am shot might just be the very best one of your whole trip!
Thanks Alison, sometimes the scenery is average at 10am, sometimes it’s great.
All of the photographs and views are just gorgeous, but especially today’s 10 AM photo ~ the colors are so brilliant and vivid. It must have felt amazing to know that you only had 23 miles left to go!
Thanks Heather. It’s a mix of emotions being so close and realising that I really was about to finish something so huge, so epic. It was special.
Once you hit Canada, why not keep going?
If the trail was any longer I’d be broken. It was tough. But I heard there are trail nearby that continue North!