September 13, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Mig Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Miles: 23.5

Adrian: We climbed a lot today and after a full day of hiking, got into camp with plenty of time to cook and eat before dark. We're only hiking with Don't Panic right now, well for most of the time, so we are cranking off the miles and taking nice relaxed breaks. The fact that we only needed to do miles in the low 20s meant there was no pressure at work today.

To the north we can see big, snow-laden peaks that beckon us towards them - Glacier Peak stands out the most and is also the namesake of our next wilderness area.

I've seen an increase in marmots and pikas as of late and it makes me happy. Their whistles and chirps take the place of our iPods...thankfully. Pikas are faster and on the move while marmots tend to lounge in the sun on a flat rock.


It's the weekend, Saturday night, and we're camped at a lake that's only 4 miles from a trailhead. Yep, crowded with Seattleite campers up for the last backpack of the season. In our camp tonight is Lorenzo, the Brits, Clearwater, who made a surprise appearance after dark, and Don't Panic. Sharing our camp are two girls on a 2-night trip.

Tomorrow, to the Dinsmores...

Kirsten: The Alpine Wilderness area continues to impress and I'm enjoying myself despite the constant ups and downs. The views outweigh the switchbacks and keep me going even in the toughest terrain. I am a tad nervous about Glacier Peak Wilderness, specifically one of the river crossings. I've heard words like rushing water, giant log, scooting across. I don't particularly like the image I've conjured up in my mind.

Tomorrow we'll reach Stevens Pass and that means a hot meal and another milestone. The Dinsmores, trail angels living near Skykomish, open their home to hikers, so that's where we'll be. Our group may be reunited here and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, at least one last time. With Stehekin - our final town stop - just 100 miles to north and visions of crossing the Canadian border swirling in our heads I can no longer predict if we'll finish with our friends. I wish, of course, that Beautiful and Gorgeous were with us as well. I think they're about two days ahead and I don't expect to catch them before the end. Cheers girls, I hope to see you soon.

September 12, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Deep Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Miles: 27.5

Adrian: I lost our data book and map pages today while hiking, so that's not good. Luckily it's just the data for today and tomorrow morning.

While Kirsten was reading the guidebook to me in our tent tonight she shrieked when seeing a large spider right next to her. I dispatched it ASAP, and all was well. Phew!

We hiked with Don't Panic for most the day and made good time.

Kirsten: Maybe it was all that Seattle coffee he had. Whatever it was Don't Panic caught us after spending the night in Seattle and getting a late start. It was good to see him and both Adrian and I enjoy his company. Amazingly, Don't Panic manages to hike patiently along as I ramble on about random subjects.

We were going to camp at around 22 miles tonight. Once we reached the tiny spot we decided to push on another five miles and reached Deep Lake around 8 p.m. Everyone is behind us and I don't think we'll see them until Skykomish, our next town stop.

Adrian's mention of the spider, which was huge and about two inches from my head, reminds me of another creature we've had to contend with recently. The mouse has become my new nemesis. Two nights before we reached White Pass a mouse found its way into our tent. How do I know this? Well, I woke up to the pitter-pattering of little mice feet running over my head. I know, disgusting, right? Mice have essentially been given an invitation to our tent ever since our zip busted. I've had one other run in with the stealthy mouse. The night we camped at Mirror Lake I left a tissue outside the tent. I woke up to the loudest shredding sound I've ever heard and there sitting by the tent door was, yup, you guessed it, a mouse. I'm concerned that it's just a matter of time before one chews its way through our tent in search of food.

September 11, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Spur of Three Queens, Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Miles: 16

Adrian: I'm quite pleased with the miles this afternoon. We climbed steadily from Interstate 90 at 3,000 feet to over 5,600 feet a few miles on.

I had a great hand-dipped corn dog yesterday that I forgot to mention. It was muy bien!

Kirsten: Our stay at the Summit Lodge was restful and the staff incredibly accommodating to hikers. Our efforts to resupply at the convenience store and "grocery" store didn't go quite as well. I won't use the term price gouging because I'm sure these business owners have expensive leases. I will suggest to any future thru-hikers reading this journal: Ship yourself a box.

After picking up some pricey food, we hit the trail and quickly rose above the noisy Interstate 90. The trail today was beautiful and I quickly forgot about the clear-cut areas we walked through just two days prior. Our group - as I predicted - has broken up for now. Don't Panic went into Seattle to visit family and Hoffa took off early this morning in an effort to meet friends some 50 miles from here. Adrian and I camped by ourselves tonight after passing the rest of the group. I keep saying group because, well, it's annoying to list everyone's name and we all agree that the name Fellowship of the Ring is dorky.