Tuesday August 11
Start: Tatie Ridge
End: Bridge Creek
Miles: 27.5 miles
Gain/loss: 6129’/8356′
Listened to: podcasts- 99% Invisible; RadioLab; Welcome to Night Vale; One from the Vaults; Nice White Parents
After a chilly night with the wind blowing dust into the tent all night, I was up at 5:15am and on trail by 6:15am. I descended to Glacier Pass, and then climbed up past Methow Pass and Granite Pass, finally topping out at Cutthroat Pass. I then began a very long descent that won’t end until Stehekin. I made very good time and arrived at my anticipated campsite at Porcupine Creek at 3pm.
I decided to push onward to get closer to town, making tomorrow a shorter day. I hiked through Rainy Pass (using the trailhead privy) and after a bit more hiking, made camp at 5:15pm, camping at the last PCT campsite before the Northern Cascades National Park boundary, since I don’t have a permit and all of the campsites within the park are by permit only.
I had a nice dinner and ate some extra snacks that aren’t for tomorrow’s hike. I also soaked my feet in the icy creek, since they were a bit irritated from my long day. I had some shenanigans setting my bear hang, nearly getting my cord stuck. Using a long branch, I got it back down but it was a frustrating adventure.
I have 17 miles between me and the Stehekin trailhead, and it’s all downhill, so I expect I can make the 1:10pm bus so long as I get up on the earlier side. That will give me a luxurious day and a half in town! I will do my best to relax, though it’s not my strong suite.
