September 23, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Road 500, Pasayten Wilderness
Miles: 28.5

Adrian: We left the house and got a ride back up the pass at 7 a.m. We had wonderful views of the Early Winter Spires and Liberty Bell.

The day started with a 2,000-foot climb through snow up to Cutthrout Pass. It was cold but the views were awesome. Big granite spires covered in the season's first significant snow.

We hiked a big day today to try and outrun a predicted rain event coming on Wednesday around 11 a.m. Big mountains dominated the landscape as we climbed more than 5,000 feet.

Kirsten: Before I write anything about today I'd like to take a moment to give a little advice. If your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend is walking along and trips on a root or say a crack in a sidewalk, do not exclaim as they are laying face down "You should really be careful" or this one "You're going to hurt yourself if you're not careful." This is what Adrian said to me as I laid face down in the dirt today. This was a poor choice. Call it bad timing. Whatever. Just don't say what he did cuz it didn't go over very well.

Back on the trail again and it looks like we made the right decision. The sky was blue and the temperature slowly rose throughout the day. Most importantly, the weather was not obstructing the views of Mount Hardy and a number of other North Cascade peaks.


Cutthroat Pass was snow-covered - maybe four inches or so - and the scene got me thinking about ski season. Maybe the job search will have to wait.


Our pace was quick today and we rested only briefly as we rushed to make it as far as possible. The weather is supposed to turn to rain and even snow and we want to get over Hart's Pass early tomorrow.

Adrian is doing better. I think he may have giardia. He feels weak sometimes and poops a lot. Sorry for the info, but hey this is what's happening. It's not too bad and his condition won't keep him from finishing. It's life after the trail that may be more difficult for him.

September 21, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Rainy Pass
Miles: 20

Adrian: We slept our last hotel night together with Moonpie and Clearwater. No major snoring so things went well.

My condition hasn't improved much, but I do have more energy and no chills.

We took the 8 a.m. bus to High Bridge Trailhead via the bakery for breakfast and lunch resupply. Saying goodbye to Moonpie for the last time really started to make me realize we are near the end.

The trail gained 3,200 feet of elevation in 20 miles, not bad. We did it in 9 hours taking our time. The weather was mostly cloudy early on and then rainy for the rest of the day. It was cold when we approached Rainy Pass and saw the trail magic at the trailhead parking.

Smoke rose from the wet fire they had built and then we saw the tarp and beer. Past PCT hikers Catch-23, Crazy Legs, and friends were set-up there cooking hotdogs and otherwise feeding hikers, who at this time numbered just us. It was great and hung out for a while until the rain chased us into our tents behind the bathrooms.

It rained all night...

Kirsten: OK. I knew it was only a matter of time before it rained. I mean, it is Washington. It doesn't mean I hadn't hoped for sunny and warm. In spite of all of our wishes the rain is here. And it's not that warm, summer rain. It's a cold and steady rain that only occasionally wanes to a drizzle.

The miles came easy enough and Adrian seems to be feeling better. I'm thinking a lot about the next few days and have spent considerable time mentally crossing my fingers.


Our day ended on a fabulous note with the trail angels Catch 23, Scavenger and Crazy Legs as well as Desiree. They made us hot dogs and handed us juice, beer and wine in between bites. They received some trail magic at this spot back in 2000 and thought it would be fun to "pay it forward." And that they did.

The weather, however, hasn't been as cooperative. The rain continues and the temperature is expected drop in the next 24 to 48 hours. I am nervous.