Start – nr Cloudy Pass Junction
Finish – Suiattle Bridge
Daily Distance – 26 km
Ascent – 700 m
Descent – 1430 m
7 am and the sun poked its unwelcome head over the neighbouring mountains, promising another scorching day. Fortunately, as things transpired today has been much cooler, and therefore much easier going, than previously. How much was due to walking under a dense forest canopy, I don’t know, but my energy levels were much higher for not overheating.
Blown down trees continued at parts, some truly enormous, several metres thick, but none all that much of an inpediment to my twinkle toes. Overall, the trail was easier than expected today, although having spoken to people walking northbound, worse is coming. Apparently it is illegal to bring power tools into the forest, so the trail maintenance crews are working to saw and clear the numerous downed trees entirely by hand. Together with personnel cuts, an already large job begins to look like a Sisyphean undertaking.
Today the unmistakable charring of trees reminded me that the conditions in Washington are not always to benign. Apparently most fires are started by lightning strikes, which perhaps account for what appear to be some very localised burn sites.
A particularly surprising event happened today in that I met my first northbound hiker who has walked continuously from the Mexican border. I hadn’t expected to see northbounders so soon, although I believe the main “bubble” is still slowly migrating north and remain some weeks away. It is interesting to think though, that some people’s journey is almost finished while for others, it is still in its unsteady infancy of becoming trail fit and establishing new daily routines.
Tonight I am camping along with Tony again on the banks of the Suiattle river. The cold emenating from the water reminds of its origin as snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. It will provide some nice, white noise, to fall asleep to, although for preference I would prefer it a touch quieter. The foamy, heavily silted water really is carrying some speed here. But for the bridge it would certainly be impassable.
Speaking of impassable, I will try to get an early start tomorrow. While the distance will probably end up being short, there is another 1200m climb to do and the potential for more rough trail. Eek!
I don’t fancy cutting those trees with hand tools. Banning power tools for the few remaining people responsible for keeping the trail open seems like good joined up thinking.
What horrors await when a flock of northbound hikers have pinched all the camping spots.
That is one very nicely built bridge. Saves getting cold wet feet.
You covered some distance today considering the conditions you were dealing with. I hope you’re starting to feel the benefit of ‘trail fitness’. Impressive bridges.