Day 43

Monday September 12. Started at 2635.4 ended at 2658.9 for 23.5 miles today,

Couldn't sleep last night, my last night on the PCT. Started early with headlamp and hiked 14.7 miles to the border, then 8.9 miles to Manning Park and the lodge.

Today I really felt like a hiker, my legs handled uphill and downhill like a rockstar. I'm still slow though. My knees are not as flexible on the steep sections like the younger hikers. I take longer making sure each step is safe with no slips or falls.

It's been an amazing journey, I can't believe it's over. Sigh...

Washington from the PCT was stunning. Every day mind numbing views. My favorite section of the PCT (sorry Sierra).

Should get home Saturday September 17 7:30pm!






Very early in the morning. The mountains way back in the background were spectacular!





Hiker Mike! Great views behind me






Beautiful lake






See the separation in the trees? US / Canada border






FINISH!!!!







Four years, five sections, 2650 miles, unbroken footsteps between Mexico and Canada! Done!!!!

Day 42

Sunday September 11. Started at 2609.6 ended at 2635.4 for 25.8 miles today.

It rained last night, started around midnight, off and on. In the morning it was a heavy drizzle, light rain, sleet, and snow. The weather was "variable" all day, but did not impact my hike. I got good views at times and the precipitation was light enough not to be a distraction.

I crushed the miles today, starting to get good at this hiking thing😀





Early morning





As i climbed elevation rain turned to snow





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Notice my rain kilt?





View from near my camp





Camp

Day 41

Saturday September 10th. Started at 2592.4 finished at 2609.6 for 17.2 miles today.

Again, spectacular views and weather today.





Early morning view





Big rock!





Hiker shadow!





Early morning





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2600 trail miles! Yay!





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Camp

Day 40

Friday September 9. Started at 2574.3 ended at 2592.5 for 18.2 miles today

Gorgeous day today! I saw several day hikers. Only 2 or 3 more camp nights left till I finish (after tonight).

I climbed 4000' today, but it was gradual and not a problem. Took me a couple of hours to shake off the aches this morning and eventually I got into a good rhythm. Saw a black bear on the trail, he ran off when he saw me.




Morning sun





River





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Camp

Day 39

Thursday September 8. Started at 2569.5 ended at 2574.3 for 4.8 miles today.

Got on the trail around 1:30, so only made a few miles.

Plans have been made: I will walk into Canada Tuesday September 13 (possibly Monday ) and fly back home Sat the 17th.

Ouch! Back hurts, many aches today-probably because I've been off for 4days.





Ferry ride from Chelan back to Stehekin. Lake is 55 miles long, avg 1 mile wide.





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Saw this guy hanging around camp





Camp. This is a North Cascades National Park designated campsite, and I get a picnic table!

Day 35

Sunday Sept 4. Started at 2561.2 finished at 2569.4 for 8.2 miles today.




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Where I am





Starting to see fall colors along the trail





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Fancy footbridge at entrance to North Cascades National Park






Bus to Stehekin





Stehekin is only reachable via boat or plane.





From Stehekin I catch a ferry to Chelan where I have motel reservations





View from the back of the boat. It was a 4hr ride, views lasted the whole trip. Lake Chelan is the 3rd deepest lake in America behind only Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe

Day 34

Saturday Sept 3. Started at 2536.7 ended at 2561.2 for 24.5 miles today. Yay me!

The trail was especially nice today. I noticed that the big climb (3300') went well. My legs kept moving and didn't get tired going up the big incline. Felt good.

Thankfully today turned out nice, my views and vistas have reappeared. Everyone I saw on the trail was in awe of yesterday's inclement weather. Not sure how I would be able to handle 2 bad days (like yesterday) in a row.

Just 8 miles tomorrow morning to catch my bus to town.




Could that be some blue in the early morning sky ?





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Camp, clothes drying on trees