Monument 78, USA/CAN (Mile 2660)

It's been almost a week now since we've finished our thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Frequently, we get questions like "what's it like to be finished" and to be honest I don't think the whole experience has had time to set-in. What I can say is the experience was worth every joule of energy expended. It was nothing like hiking the Appalachian Trail with the exception that you have to hike most of the day. The trail angels and people we met along the way definitely have restored our faith in humanity and remind us there are still good people out there. We live in a country with astonishing natural beauty that needs to be protected and preserved for future generations. And it is indeed good to be getting exercise on a daily basis!

For many thru-hikers transitioning back into the real world can be a difficult process. There is this little insulative bubble around the trail corridor that fosters comradery, friendship, trust, and empowerment. We are lucky that we have another adventure to start-up and don't have to start looking for jobs and go back to the chaos of city life (although we will have to when we get back from South America). Our current agenda includes: getting our remaining vaccinations, completing some rough planning for where we would like to go, packing for visiting our families, considering climbing Aconcagua (the highest peak in the Americas), and tying up all the other loose ends.

I hope everyone has enjoyed my first attempt at maintaining a blog and we'll see you soon!

An organic sign that you'll only find in the hip PNW.

Christina, Peter and Kala (Crystal avalanche dog) came to join us!

Glacier Peak just starting to come into view. This stretch of trail is my favorite part of the whole trail.

Walking above tree line is the best. You have views for miles and miles (Sloan Peak is the snowy peak on the left).

I call these "Truffula Plants", because they look just like the Truffula trees from Dr. Seuss's The Lorax (still one of my favorite books).

A bee trying to get a little more pollen for honey making to help the colony survive over the cold winter.

In 2003 and 2006 enormous floods around Glacier Peak shut down roads, trails, etc.  for several years. Here is some of the remaining debris.  

Nature is amazing.

Fire Creek Pass, Glacier Peak Wilderness, WA.

The trail slowly wraps you around the west side of Glacier Peak and offers remarkable views. 

Looking north while Iceman and Pie try to pick out various peaks.

Pop, pop, pop....they just don't stop! 

The "Big Grove" had ginormous Douglas Fir, Stika Spruce, Western Hemlock, and some Western Red Cedar.  Prior to the area becoming a Wilderness Area, the Forest Service was going to extend the Suiattle River road so the trees could be logged.

Mossy Monster lurking on the trailside.

Morning light makes these two look alien.

The marking on this tree can be found along the PCT and are supposed to resemble a candle. The saying goes "may the candles light your way".

The storm from 10 years ago may have took out the human constructed bridge, but it built this all natural alternative.

Entering North Cascades National Park.

After making it to the ocean for 2-4 years, these Steelhead Salmon are returning to their home in the Stehekin River where they were born (easily several hundred miles upstream) to spawn. 

We've been dreaming of arriving at the Stehekin Bakery since Day 1 and it didn't disappoint!

There are only 3 ways to access the community of Stehekin. You can either take a ferry, float plane, or hike in. Stehekin is not connected by any roads (Lake Chelan in pictured on the left).

Local bus ride back to the trailhead.

Cutthroat Pass, WA. 

Golden Horn peak in the background and Tower Mountain front and center.

Hiked a little late this day, but we couldn't complain with the unbeatable scenery.

The colors were surreal.

Hiking towards Hart's Pass, which is the highest drivable pass in Washington at 6,182 ft.

Last night on the PCT!

Remember the big storm we went through back in Oregon? Well this is what happened in Washington during the same weather event. These washouts took a little longer to cross, but really demonstrated the power of Mother Nature.

One of the bigger ones. There were probably 6 that required you to drop-in and climb back out.

Success!

Iceman breaking into the monument to retrieve the logbook and sign us in. Also, you'll notice there is a clearcut running behind (and in front of) him which delineates the US/CAN boarder.  

Mexico to Canada! 

And still in love....