Ep 125 - Ups and Downs - 2158-2186

One day from Snoqualmie, so you not what to expect - lots of talk about food. It is however, an unusual pre town day as Snoqualmie is set to be the last town stop before the end of the trail. Naturally there are mixed feelings about this. The journey is coming to a close and with it are the excitements of home and rest, but this has been their lives for the last 6 months, a unique and extraordinary life, one not so easily put to one side. These emotions are heard throughout the episode as Ethan, Molly and the gang face this reality for the first time, being now 2 weeks from Canada.  

Leaving Mt Rainier behind, Molly and Ethan plod their way through yet another burnt woodland but this time, from the fertile soils sprout small clusters of strawberries - not quite the selection at Sainsbury's but a delightful treat for the eyes if anything. This landscape of recovering shrub dominates the day which remains hot despite the grey cloud cover looming overhead. There is a random encounter involving a minor "PCT celebrity" - OTC - and a gamble between a spring water supply and rumoured trail magic. 

The team pass through a tourist hotspot as it draws close to the Labor Day national holiday. The usually quiet and thru-hiker occupied territory of the PCT is shared with countless national and international day hikers enjoying the trails around Mt Rainier. That said, much of the day is spent in mists, including yet another delightful pause for trail magic but, shortly after, the sun breaks through with a vengeance turning the previously damp day into a scorcher. The group swim in lakes, converse with passers by and share PCT anthems, written along the journey.  

One of those days; not a bad day but, just one of those ya know?  Following the explosion of beauty the day before at Knifes Edge, we dive into forests on a day of drizzle. It is beautiful and wild, but quiet. Lethargy sinks it's claws in. The day was taken easy, with lunch beside alpine lakes, talks of possible wolf sightings, crashing at the end with a very exciting food review.

In the Goat Rocks Wilderness, the PCT splits. You can take the original route or an alternative. Frankly, you'd be a fool not to take the alternative. Knife's Edge remains the most beautiful section of all 2,650 miles of the trail for us. This episode hopefully showcases that with a lot of ambient audio, "Wow"s and the occasional f-bomb of delight. There isn't much else to say really. Listen and enjoy. 

Having skirted around Mt Adams, the dynamic duo press on with their eyes set firmly on the Goat Rocks Wilderness - said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire trail. The team discuss their favourite town stops so far, find themselves in awe by the beauty of Cispus pass, attempt once again to communicate with Pikas and generally enjoys the days hike in gorgeous weather and surroundings. They finish the day camping in what is possibly the most amazing camp spot thus far with near 360 views of Washingtons most iconic mountains on a clear evening. They are a stones through from Knives Edge - the main piece for the day to come. 

As they leave the area of Trout Lake, saying goodbye once more to old friends, Molly and Ethan begin to skirt the more recognisable mountains of the Washington Cascades. Mt Adams and the rest lie in wait.

A promise of a little trail magic turns into an overdose. On a day already fitted with a scheduled town stop, the team are spoilt as they come across 3 stations of trail magic along the way. French toast, pork chops, chocolates and mimosas fuel the march to Trout Lake which itself delivers blueberry pies, burgers and long lost trail families. A long conversation is shared with Prometheus and Not A Minor by campfire outside of town, featuring discussions about managing a relationship on trail, bear encounters, devil deer and more.  A disjointed sound fest of us eating, mumbling and summarising. We hope you still enjoy. 

The gang continue their walk up the multi mile slope upon which they camped. Its a morning slog, but whilst resting on its peak a SOBO hiker delivers news of magic on the trail. This is where lunch and much of this episode is spent. Amongst casual conversation excitement and anticipation of Trout Lake, due the following day, continues to build but more news from SOBO hikers of even more magic makes the next day as exciting as Christmas. 

Ah, Washington; the forests, the ferns and of course the non-stop up hill struggle.  It's a sweaty welcome to the new state but the milestone of yesterday pushes Molly and Ethan up the hills and rolls them down the other side. Ethan is attacked by a wasp, the team reflect on hitch hikes of the past and the prospect of restaurant food at Trout lake lingers on the tip of our tongues.