Just seven miles all up hill, and boy were they eventful. Mile 5, my shoe tore. I already ordered my next pair to be shipped to Stehekin, 180 miles away. These shoes were just not going to make it.

After a few minutes of panic and complaining, I called REI to see if there was any way they could help me. The customer service woman saved my butt. She said REI would figure out a way to cancel the pair I had ordered, and send a new pair to Leavenworth by the day I would be arriving, at no additional cost beyond what I had already paid for the other pair. I was so relieved, so amazed, in awe really that they did that for me.

Then I had the most stunning trail sunset I may have ever seen. The alpen glow lit up the mountains on the Catwalk just as I got to the top. Stellar 7 miles!

I saw two grouse today! Super cool birds, very unafraid of humans.

We had tons of views today, as well as tons of climbs. But the grade was never too terrible, and we had lots of company today as Tango re-joined the crew. We also had lots of company because every hiker ever is on the trail with us right now (feels like it) since so many folks got back on trail after PCT days at Snoqualmie. We must have interacted with 50 + NOBO hikers today, not to mention the the 20-30 SOBO that we passed by. The trail is CROWDED and will probably be like this until the terminus. Alas!

Pretty much everyone is ready for the trail to end. I definitely find myself in that camp. I’m really excited to have more choice for what activities I engage in and what foods I eat. I feel that I have been a slave to this ambition I have to finish the trail and look forward to freedom.