There was quite a large group of people aiming to get on the 0900 shuttle back to the trail-head. I’d set my alarm for 0645, so that I wouldn’t have to rush to get out. When I’d packed up my stuff I headed to the communal area, and there was already a freshly brewed pot of coffee waiting. I settled down on one of the many pick-nick tables and joined the others. There were several people from Camp Jonah around, sorting out stuff in the kitchen, and they offered us all a full breakfast. One lady made scrambled eggs, and there was toast, a whole load of condiments, and peaches! I was quite baffled with the fact that all us hikers were treated so kindly after we’ve already indulged in the hot showers and comfy bunk-beds. Such wonderful people! As I was sipping my coffee, thinking what a great start of the day this was, I looked outside and realized it was about to get better. Standing outside in the crisp morning, I recognized the blond cornrows of Peachman! I walked outside, with a cheerful “Hoooyaaaaah“, and it was smiles and hugs all around. Peachman, Rocket and Freewheel had gotten in late last night! Great to share breakfast with them. They’d crushed a couple of crazy big days to get here, and told me that they must have passed Jukebox, Pops and Photo-op sometime during the night, because they didn’t see them on trail, and they haven’t arrived in Trout Lake yet.
They can’t be too far behind though.
We got shuttled back to the trail-head a little after nine, and all of us took our time to get ready and hike out. The early morning sun was warming our bodies, and none of us felt in any hurry start crushing miles.
It was then, when Sasquatch came bursting out the woods, approaching us from the trail-head that we would soon enter upon. We were startled, since he’d hiked out the day before us, and we were curious to learn what he was up to. He told us that he had decided to go back home.
As an Appalachian Trail Alumni, and now having hiked all the way up to Washington, he had decided it was the right time for him to leave the trail. As he was really clear and happy with that decision, we all gave him our full support in his choice. He’s been an interesting and super friendly appearance on trail, with a ton of great stories. He will be missed. Be well Sasquatch!
Around 1030 we all hiked out. There was a nice campsite within a large meadow only 15 miles from us. The plan was to set up camp there. I felt a huge relief today, knowing that I’m back in the bubble again. There’s a group of 7 other hikers around me now, and there’s a whole bunch not far behind. Today I hiked the majority of the day with Benjamin Button. I enjoyed the silence a lot today. It was very, very quiet, with hardly any wind. The trail wound around the base of Mount Adams, which was covered in a fresh blanket of snow from last night. She looked amazing, and whenever she was not shrouded in clouds, the views were spectacular.
After lunch, Benjamin Button and I discussed the possibility of hiking a little further today. We both felt strong, and doing 20 miles before dark seemed well within our limits. I would be happy to get some miles in, which would allow me to stay in my sleeping bag a while longer in the morning. We left Coach behind at the lunch-spot, who was still happily relaxing, and pushed on. The second half of the afternoon was pretty, with views of the jagged hills underneath a clouded sky. It cooled down fast and I expect this to be a very cold night. Let’s see how well we fare tomorrow morning in getting up under frosty winter conditions.
We’re truly heading North now.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we’d be hiking through snow pretty soon…
No heart, no hands, no skin, no touch
Can get me there, nowhere enough
To love me like you do, to love me like you do
No kiss, no lips, no feel, no rush
Can you keep me high, I swear no one
Can love me like you do, can love me like you do, no
Nobody’s gonna love me like you
Nobody, uh
Nobody, no uh
Nobody’s gonna love me like you do
Like you, ooh
Nobody’s gonna love me like you
Nobody, uh
Nobody, no uh
Nobody’s ever loved me to the truth
Like you, ooh
Nobody – Selena Gomez
