Bushcamp to Bushcamp
37.8 miles
Mile 2549.1
I began my morning chores around 3:30. I’d slept great, but really could have used an extra hour. Regardless, the early start would be payoff when I reached camp that night before dark.
Spikes and I were on the trail by 4, working our way up the long ascent towards Fire Pass.
The journey up the was well decorated with a gorgeous sunrise.
I made friends with a marmot, so that was neat.
The vista from Fire Pass was stupid pretty. After snapping a few photos I began the long walk down the northern side.
Upon reaching the bottom of the valley, I crossed a bridge and immediately began my next tedious climb.
Surprisingly the seemingly endless switchbacks ended. Atop the mountain the trail rode it’s ridge for a few miles of glacier and wildflowers before plunging back down.
The final 10 miles of trail winded through an old growth forest alongside Vista Creek. Uncorrupted by human economics or fire for hundreds of years, some of these trees are thousands of years old, and over 30 ft in circumference.
A mile or so from camp I had an interesting experience with a rather territorial bird. It swooped down on me four times, one of which it almost took my hat! It looked like some sort of hawk or falcon, but I’m really not sure. The picture I took didn’t really turn out…but maybe you’ll recognize it.
I reached our campground at Miner Creek around 5:30, but found it already occupied by another couple. There was space for well over five tents, so I asked if they’d mind if I joined them. There was an awkward silence before the guy responded, basically saying I could but he’d rather I didn’t…ooook cool. I was only asking to be polite, it’s not like they own the campground…but I they didn’t want to share. Kinda rude.
I ended up finding another spot nearby to pitch my tent. Not long after Spikes arrived, and we ate a quick dinner before retreating to our tents as it began to rain.
The last two days have been intense. The big miles over huge elevation had really taken it out of me. I’ll have a 23 mile sprint tomorrow morning to reach Stehekin before the post office closes.
Cheers!