7th September
Mileage 25.8
Vista Creek (2544.8) to Cedar Camp (2570.6)
Miles to Canada 89.5 (144km)
I was too tired to get moving in the morning. I was motivated but my body is just so worn down. My first steps of the day were lacking purpose, luckily the first few miles were downhill through a relatively new section of trail that led to a newly built bridge over the Suittle River. The trail passed some very tall old growth forest, there’s not much of that left.
When the trail started uphill my legs lacked the strength to move me forward with any speed. My leg muscles have shrunk dramatically on this hike. Not just my leg muscles but all my muscles.
Just in the recent weeks in Washington I feel I’ve lost another 5kg (11lb). I might sound like a broken record but I’m exhausted. Anyway, I finally made it to the top of the 11 mile climb in the record time of 6.5 hours!
There has been little foot traffic in this section of trail as it had been closed for the majority of the hiker season. In fact I was one of the first hikers through this section of trail. The view down both valleys from the top was awesome ruggedness. Snow capped mountains, glacial valleys and overgrown woodlands.
As the trail progressed down the valley there was the last remnants of a hanging glacier. A shadow of its former self. I suspect it will be completely gone in 10 years. I finally caught and passed the owners of the footprints I’ve been following. Hikers I’ve never met before.
This section of trail was closed due to a fire very close to the trail. It was still smouldering nearby as I made my way to camp. A clear path of burnt trees lay near the river and up the steep side gorges. This was the Blankenship fire at one point.
Next : Day 144 Into and out of Stehiken
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If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d live with that tree!!!????????????????
Nice pics of the section that I couldn’t hike due to the fire closure. I had to detour at the new Suiattle bridge; go to Rainey Pass; hike south to Stehekin, then continue back north. Was really glad I saw Stehekin.
Some of your photos look like paintings! I have been so surprised seeing all of the different kinds of terrain you’ve encountered on the trail. So many even within one day of hiking! We don’t get much variation living here on the plains in Texas, so spending time in the mountains and seeing the beautiful views is always a treat.
Thanks again Heather. The trail constantly surprises me with its diversity, there have only been 2-3 days that were average and even then I could always manage to find something special, no matter how small, it kept things interesting.
Almost there!! I’m so excited for you and thinking of a “walk” next spring somewhere because of your and hummingbird’s blogs
Yeah, you should do it, hiking is great,
I used to hike a lot in northern NM 20+ years ago. Thought it was for the young, but I see you and
others out there and am inspired!!
I found the older the hiker the more inspiring they were, there is real inspiration on the trail.
Almost there. It’s been a real treat following you this summer. My daughter, Swipe, and husband, Tradja, thru hiked the PCT in 2010, so viewing your photos is like visiting old friends. So many shots are the same I received from them. I grew up in Washington, so your recent photos have left me feeling very homesick. Your photo skills are outstanding at telling your story. Thank you for sharing. Mary Alice Davis
Thanks Mary, I’m glad it bought back memories, hopefully they were all good ones. Washington has been amazing but brutally difficult at the same time.
Looks like a beautiful day, but a tough one, given your prior day. Amazing mileage given the challenge. Looks like some trail maintenance is needed on that bridge. Hopefully some angels and worker bees will find it and repair it. Keep on slugging at it!
I think the bridges of Washington have been like that for many years. The extreme weather takes its toll.