Although we all woke up at about the same time, Pop Top was the first to break camp. Joe and I have realized that we'd be much faster if there weren't two of us slowing each other down.
Pop Top isn't a very quick hiker, so she likes to get a head start. We had discussed before going to bed that our plan was to do 32 miles today, or that we'd like to do that many. There is a shelter 32 miles from here, it could provide a decent place to stay, and would help us get an early start the next day. Joe and I were thinking about possibly doing that, but 32 is a lot for Washington terrain.
If we can't do 32, maybe 20 would be conceivable. That way we can reach the shelter by noon tomorrow (12 miles). That seemed more plausible.
Joe and I left camp and Dad Jokes around 7am - right off the bat we had a a decent steady climb. And once we were out of the trees, we were provided an amazing view of Mt Rainier. The sky cloud free for the most part, it was going to be a great day!
I had stopped for a lot of photos, and soon enough Dad Jokes passed us by. Throughout our hike that morning, we came across a lot of day hikers. It was interesting to see groups of people out in the Mt Rainier wilderness that were still at camp by 9am. I tried to put myself in their shoes, wow, waking up and still being at camp at 9am, the PCT has really changed my outlook on camping! The thought of staying at a campsite longer than needed was just a waste of time! haha.
By 10am we met up with Pop Top, we saw a couple bucks roaming near trail. The fact that they weren't skittish made me question if we were going deeper into Day Hiker territory. And sure enough, we were. The trail was finally sloping down, and we knew we were coming upon a highway. We had read in our notes on the map that there would be pit toilets and picnic tables! Wooo! A True Luxury! Our 10 am break was going to be taken in style and comfort.
On the way down the trail which led us to the highway, we passed scores of people- Asians with all their cameras, old couples bird watching wearing their brightest ball caps, one couple offered us a vegan brownie. She was reading up on this hike that she was out doing, and learned that she may meet some PCT Hikers, so she came prepared. Bless her! The brownies were amazing.
Our 10 am break was different than usual. We sat on a stone wall in the parking lot along the highway that runs right through Mt Rainier NP. Some people were interested in us, some didn't even notice us. People are interesting. Some people wear their best clothes, and are only there for the picture. Joe, Pop Top and I just sat there amused, eating protein bars and oatmeal, enjoying the sights.
By 10:30 we were back on trail, now on the north side of the highway, and the trail was just a busy with day hikers. I don't blame them, the views are incredible and the weather perfect. Just before our several mile climb we came to a lake where a couple people were swimming (too cold for most), the mosquitos were present, but weren't terrible thankfully.
We stopped for water, and decided to take our lunch early. It was a great spot, and we can study the trail as it wound up and up the mountain that stands before us.
We said goodbye to Pop Top, we told her we most likely won't be making the 32 mile goal, but that probably 20 was more realistic. So far today we've wasted a lot of time.
After lunch we packed our things and started our ascent. Halfway up the relentless switchbacks, I look back to the South and I see where we had come from a week ago. Goat Rocks and Mt Adams in the way distance. WOW what a sight.
Once we finally reach the pass (incline turns to decline), we stop and chat with a day hiking couple. They were from New York and just moved to Washington to be with their kids and grand babies. They were impressed with out story, and were very intrigued with the idea of hiking the PCT. We encouraged them to section hike it, after all they were already hiking on the PCT, even if for a day. What a sweet and generally caring couple. They offered their advice to us- to walk the extra 300 ft and view Sourdough Gap. Sourdough Gap- we had first heard of this from our friends Brad and Kirsty! Of course we were hiking extra!
At the junction of Sourdough Gap and the PCT, we dropped our packs and went off to the West to see the raved views. Although it was starting to cloud up, there it was, Rainier just looming over the valley. Everything seemed enhanced.
Joe asked me if I would want to consider camping here, he reminded me that tonight is the peak of the meteor shower, and that the clouds should blow off. I was skeptical, we didn't even hike 13 miles yet! But then again, a meteor shower with the Rainier in the background... I was sold.
So by 2pm we set up our tent, and spent the rest of the day walking around our own piece of the world with the best views of the surrounding national park. We seriously didn't see another soul all day.
There was one condition- tomorrow we would wake up at 3am and get 30 miles in.
I said "OK, but I might be cranky tomorrow."
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