Saturday August 15
Start: Vista Creek
End: beyond Kennedy Creek
Miles: 26.9 miles
Gain/loss: 9705’/8789′
Listened to: book- Artemis Fowl: Opal Deception; Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony
During the night, something big fell into the creek – maybe a tree or some big rocks, but it was loud enough that my instinct upon waking was that I was going to be squashed by a tree.
I was awake at 5:25am (comfortable enough in bed that I snoozed for 10 minutes) and on trail by 6:25am. I climbed up to Grassy Point Trail, down to Milk Creek, and then up to Fire Creek Pass, passing by Mica Lake (with snow still melting in it) on the endless way up.
I met Jonathan and Rebecca today near Milk Creek. I remembered that I had seen them near Methow Pass and in Stehekin. They’re going SOBO on the PCT, trying to hike all of it despite starting late. They completed the TRT maybe 6 weeks ago as they delayed doing the PCT and decided to push ahead for this year. I was hoping to camp nearby them this evening but I moved a lot faster and didn’t see them again today.
After Fire Creek Pass, I pushed forward, descending and then ascending again, all in the hot harsh sun. The black flies were horrible today and wouldn’t let me rest no matter where I stopped. I hiked past my intended campsite since it was 3:30pm and in the direct sun.
Somehow, I couldn’t make myself stop until after Kennedy Creek; I finally stopped at a shady campsite near a creek around 5:45pm. However, it’s so infested with black flies that I put up my tent, filtered water, and dove inside to prep food and eat.
I really miss my Guthook. It helps me regulate myself, being more moderate. I have a feeling that I did a horrible amount of elevation gain today in excess of 7000′ gain and 6000′ loss.
Transcending Mountains 