August 24, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Southeast Spur of Three-Fingered Jack
Miles: 22

Adrian: The lava is everywhere we turn and there is no way to escape it. We resign ourselves to walking for miles on baseball-sized pumice rocks that challenge the ankles at every step.

Today was a relatively active climbing day, with a few 1,000-foot climbs. After getting out of the lava we entered a large burned area, which turned to green forest after a few miles. The wind is picking up and rain has been forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Because it was getting late and there was a long, windy, exposed area ahead, we camped in a spot sheltered by many pines trees, big and small. We bought a ground sheet for the tent and sealed more seams, so we should be good to go regarding rain. We might find out for sure tonight.

It's getting cold at night, sometimes in the low 30s F, and I'm glad we got our gloves, hat, rain pants and windshirt out of the bounce box. Now is the time to have the warm gear for the Cascades in autumn. The wind is whipping in the trees but our site is well protected.


I think I'll sleep well tonight. Tomorrow we're up early for a long day on the trail...

Kirsten: Since Adrian described our day so well I'll focus on other important subjects. By the time you all read this we'll be walking across the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. It's hard to believe our trip is beginning to wind down.

So now is the time for our readers to get involved. Many of you have signed our guestbook on the trailjournals.com site, which is awesome. I look forward to those little messages and every time we receive one it lifts my spirits.

Here is my final request: sign our guestbook if you haven't already. And if you're feeling motivated, send us a card or a treat. :) There are two opportunities in September to send us a care package or belated birthday gift (hint.)

We expect to reach Snoqualmie Pass around Sept. 10. We can pick up letters and packages at the Summit Lodge via UPS ONLY! Address the package like this: On the bottom put hold for PCT hiker, ETA Sept. 10.

Kirsten Korosec
c/o The Summit Lodge
603 State Route 906
Snoqualmie, WA 98068
(UPS only!)

Our last stop before reaching Canada will be Stehekin, a tiny town reached via boat. Send cards and packages through the U.S Mail like this:

Kirsten Korosec
General delivery
Stehekin, WA 98852

On the bottom write: hold for PCT hiker, ETA Sept. 20. From Stehekin it's about 90 miles to the Canadian border. Thanks in advance to anyone who sends us a note or package!