The fire in the hearth kept crackling softly all night which kept the lodge nice and toasty. Because there were only 4 hikers staying at the lodge, we all slept in the communal area, instead of the colder bunk-bed rooms on the higher floors. Felt like a little sleep-over.
At 0730 on the dot, Jeff had the breakfast ready, and it was spectacular. Giving most diners a run for their money, he’d made biscuits with two kinds of gravy, scrambled eggs and hash-browns. With a steaming hot cup of coffee and enough food out there to go for seconds and even thirds, I ate so much I was happy I didn’t have to go places anytime soon.
Arms, Double-D and Gourmet were doing their resupply in town today, and I would wait for them at the lodge to hike out later with them. It was nice to just settle into the day, not having a schedule for once, other than to pick up my boxes at the Stevens Inn, the ski-resort, just 5 minutes walk away. 
Around 1030, Chrome, Reese’s, and I walked over to the ski-resort. Reese’s and Vortex-Bait were going in for an informal interview to find out if they could get work in the resort during snow season. When we arrived, Vortex-Bait told me that Snow-White had just left the building, and was heading to the road to hitch out to town. I sprinted outside immediately to try and catch him. Which I did. He was with Meech and Hooch, who I hadn’t seen since Burney. Knowing that they were all going to be on trail in the same bubble felt great! Bane had been right; there were a ton of familiar people very close-by. The quick catch-up with Snow was fun, and I really hope I get to hike with him during the final stretches.
I then picked up my boxes (food, and new shoes) and witnessed Reese’s and Vortex-Bait wrap up their conversation with one of the ski-resort managers. The talks had gone well enough, because it looks like they will be able to work here coming winter. Hurray for them, and they had a little celebratory drink.
Back at the lodge I unpacked my food, rearranged everything in my pack, and started waiting for Team Canada to make their way back to the trail-head from town. This took them longer than anticipated, and so I just got comfortable again, talking to Jeff about Mountaineering. He’s summited many peaks in Washington and topped out at his highest summit on Denali (Alaska, over 6190m) in 2003. Really impressive. I keep finding myself drawn to mountains, whenever we pass them on the trail, and with the Mount Whitney summit still fresh in the memory, I wondered which will be my next high endeavor. On the walls of the lodge, which were decorated with all kinds of mountaineering memorabilia, I came across a wonderful description, which I think describes the appeal of climbing mountains very aptly.
It was 1715 when I got the green-light message from Double-D that they were on their way to the trail-head. After saying goodbye to Jeff, and thanking him thoroughly for the truly wonderful stay I’d had at the lodge, I hiked back to the trail to meet up with the others. Team Canada and other hikers Dre, Vinyl and Pyro awaited me. We started hiking before it would get too dark, and gathered at a campsite only a couple miles in. Tomorrow I will attempt to rise early with the others, because I look forward to hike a day with a group for a change. Matt has joined our little gathering too, and after a fun meal together I’m happy and comfortably in my tent now. Tomorrow the weather should be good again.
On towards Stehekin!
Well if I was in your position
I’d put down all my ammunition
I’d wonder why it had taken me so long
But Lord knows that I’m not you
And if I was I wouldn’t be so cruel
Because waiting on love ain’t so easy to do
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you?Must I always be playing, playing your fool?
No I can’t always be waiting, waiting on you
I can’t always be playing, playing your fool, fool
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing – Jack Johnson
