Misty Miles and Cabin Nights: My 98-Mile PCT Journey

This section of trail was about 98 miles.

It was from Snoqualmie Pass to White Pass.

I planned to hike around 18 miles a day.

As I hiked the clouds got closer and closer.

The clouds became fog as I got higher and higher with every step.

I didn't see much on this day.

It took a few hours but it started to rain.

I tossed on my rain jacket and kept pushing.

Then the rain started to get the brush around me wet.

Once my pants got a little too wet I decided to put on my rain pants.

After a while, I could not tell if I was sweating or the rain gear was not working.

I was about Ten miles in and decided to set up my tent at Mirror Lake.

When I checked the weather beforehand the next few days it was supposed to be better.

I found a spot next to some people cooking under a tarp.

I asked if I could set up next to them and they were fine with it.

We chatted for a bit while I cooked.

They were doing a short trip near before having to go back to work.

I finished cooking and needed to stash my food.

I found a place to hide my bear canister.

I looked for a spot that would be hard for a bear to move it.

Yes, bear canisters are bear prof but a bear can still knock it down the hill.

If you find two down logs and put the bear canister between them it most likely won't go anywhere.

I found a spot and went to bed.

I got up and the rain had stopped.

I cooked breakfast and was on my way.

The brush was still wet so I started in my rain jacket and pants.

It got hot really quick so I just hiked in shorts and a t-shirt.

As the sun came out so did the beauty of nature.

Water droplets still on the brush.

A stump with steam flowing off of it.

The skies started to clear.

I also saw the older trail markers for the PCT.

Some of these trees started growing around the trail maker.

This day was a chill day enjoying the view.

This night I need to push myself to go a bit farther.

It started to get dark and I still had a little under a mile to go.

It was dark enough to turn on my headlamp.

The shadows started playing tricks on me.

I saw a bear.

Once I double checked it was just the light from the brush.

Again, I thought I saw a bear.

It was just my headlamp.

This happened a few more times.

I found a spot to set up camp, ate and slept.

I woke up feeling like my tent was so messy.

I packed it away so neatly.

Everything has its place.

Next stop Government Meadows Cabin.

This will be the first time I get to sleep in a cabin on trail.

Not too long into the hike, someone pointed out a spot to get water.

The mountains turned from rocky to a bit more hill like.

Once I got to the cabin I saw a road.

I thought about how fun it would be to drive out here.

Out the front of it was two people setting up a fire.

Sat my pack down to check out the area.

I walked back to it and found a mouse checking it out.

This mouse was brave because it walked around the cabin waiting for someone to leave out some food.

I made some food and joined the two around the fire.

We chatted for a while sharing our stories.

I was tired so I told them good night and enjoy the rest of your journey.

The next morning I looked for the mouse but it was gone.

I wanted to make sure it was not near me or my things.

I took a few photos of the cabin, ate, and got moving.

Sun In my eyes but I wanted to get a photo of the cabin.

The other two people were still asleep when I left.

I ended up walking through a burned patch of land.

It is beautiful at the same time sad to see.

Some of the burnt trunks are shiny and smooth.

Some look silver with some burnt marks in places.

It lasted a few miles then back to greenery.

Another day passed and I was getting ready to see Chinook Pass.

I saw Crystal Mountain for the first time!

I walked past a few park rangers worried they might say something about me backpacking.

It was 2020 and it had been five months since the pandemic started.

I have gotten messages from the Pacific Crest Trail Association to not hike this year.

There were lots of people out day hiking or doing a quick overnight hike in this area.

After I passed a few park rangers I stopped worrying about it

I found a spot to camp near a spring right off the trail.

While I was sitting there another hike set up camp while I finished up my dinner.

They told me they were section hiking Washington and there were two more people behind them.

They told me about the bus that will pick you up and bring you to Packwood as long as you get a hotel for the night.

There are better options for food but the bus comes at Noon and 4 pm.

I got excited.

People to Hike with!!!

My name is Romell and I will bring you along on my journey of self discovery!

I hope some of my stories help give you the confidence to explore if you have been afraid to do so.

I am also bringing this to you without ads and will be giving my honest opinion about the gear and other things I have learned along my journey.

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Thank you, I will continue the story! I hope to see you next time!!