Rainy Pass
9th September
Mileage 25.9
Bridge Creek (2587.9) to Golden Creek (2613.8)
Miles to Canada 46.3 (74km)
When I opened up my tent in the morning, what a sight, blue sky. Oh how good it was to see. Reward for perseverance. It was a pleasure to be out hiking. All the pain and suffering of the last week or more started to fade from memory.
The trail was uphill all day until the last two hours of the day. It wasn’t steep and for a lot of the way the grade was so gentle I hardly knew I was climbing. A far cry from recent days. With the sun came the snakes and insects and butterflies. Life was moving on in the animal world.
I reached Rainy Pass in bright sunshine at midday. I signed the PCT register. Not a lot of hikers around. Back in the desert there were around 40-50 hikers per day. Now there’s 5-8 thru hikers per day passing through. I’m still here and still moving north. I’m very proud of that fact right now after all I’ve suffered.
After lunch at Rainy Pass I continued climbing to Cutthroat Pass and onto Methow Pass. Steep sided mountains as far as I could see in every direction. It was so stunning I considered camping in this area. It was early but I had time and the weather was beautiful, so why not keep going I thought. I decided not to camp but to linger and make my way along the stunning route slowly.
It was around 5.30pm when I started my descent from Methow Pass. I was conscious of the ever shortening daylight hours. Just after 7pm I set up camp next to a stream. Within 30 minutes it was dark and by 8pm it was pitch black.
I’m getting oh so close to Canada. I can almost see it. As the crow flys the Canadian border is 26.5 miles away, it will take me 46.3 PCT miles to get there. The full extent of what I have done is starting to sink in. This has been one incredible journey for me.
Next : Day 146 Harts Pass
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 just discovered your blog less than 12 hours ago. I discovered and read your entire blog today. Ok, only to Day 145. You are an amazing writer & photographer You took me on quite a ride. I am 50 years old and very curious to your age. Any chance you want to reveal that?
Hi Scott, thanks for the kind words. Reading the whole blog in a day is an awesome effort. I’m 45, no secret. Luckily I’m healthy enough to be able to do this.
Beautiful blue sky pictures! Wow! I’m so glad the weather cleared up for you.
Thanks Heather, I’m not sure how much longer I could have withstood the poor weather.
You’re crazy, I’m jealous.
I seem to get that a lot!
The feature image wraps it up! Awesome post!
Thanks Goran, so nice to have blue sky.
Well done Brad! I have followed you and am inspired. I can’t wait to read the book. Rick 2016
Thanks Rick, good luck if you are hiking in 2016.
The colors!
Yeah it’s better than the 50 shades of grey of recent weeks!
What a wonderful reward for all of the hardship you have endured. Looks like the hiking gods are smiling on you!
Alison, the last week or so was easily the most difficult of the whole trip both physically and mentally, glad I caught a break with the weather.