Cascade Locks to White Pass

September 20
To Tentsite 21.5
9.5 miles 

Ordered socks, poncho and emergency blanket to white pass and send some emails. One to Sarah to announce I am getting close. Much faster in hotel desktop PC. 

Went to breakfast with Rocky where I learned that she had done some interesting hikes (crossing the alps) and traveling (New Zealand) already.

Took me a while to get ready to leave, there seemed to be more stuff in my pack but it was mainly food for the 150 miles stretch to white pass that made it so heavy. I wanted to go waking but also envied Rocky little bit that she was done.

I think I started walking towards the bridge of the gods at 1pm. Crossing it was much less spectacular though than I thought. I t basically is a road bridge and there is no space for pedestrians so you walk where the cars drive. Not very comfy to stop and watch. Drivers are very friendly though, going slow and often waving at you.

Once in trail mainly went uphill, first just slightly, later pretty steep towards table mountain. At some point I unfortunately missed junction to a side trail to the summit from where there are supposed to be incredible views of the Columbia Robert and beyond. 

September 21
To Trout Creek, mile 2174
20 miles 

I slept very well and woke up late (7 a.m.). In my feet and ankles I can feel that I am carrying a heavier pack than usual yesterday.

I start walking at 8 am and it continues uphill. I walk for roughly an hour and suddenly start crying. Not sure why:

• Again uphill and the never-ending torture?

• Homesickness? In a way, I was ending Rocky yesterday as she could go home soon 

• Loneliness as no one around

It does not take long and the sadness is resolved by some kind of stubbornness. What is that kind of test/obstacle that life is putting in front of me again? Does it want me to surrender?

My thoughts are interrupted by some voices and I see two guys walking up the hill. I recognize the two cousins, Dr Knox and the Professor whom I have not seen since Belden. They rush by and I fillies while we are having a quick conversation about how it has been in the meantime.

My mood significantly improves after my second breakfast break. I walk immersed in my thoughts without even noticing that I am on a bigger climb.

Some time in the afternoon I talk to a guy heading south and we realize that we are both German. His name is Stefan and he has been flip-flopping a bit back and forth. While we stand the the sky suddenly friends dark and it looks like it is going to rain. I mention that the forecast predicted sun and clouds for the coming week but no rain, but Stefan says that the main characteristic of Washington weather is that it changes very rapidly.

September 22
To Sheep Lake (Mile 2197)
23 miles 

Long climb after the first 5 miles that lasted more than 10 miles.

Surprise late afternoon: I approach a trailhead and suddenly hear “Rainbow do you want a beer?” Dr Knox and the professor hang out with a friend there. They offer me a beer, 2 spare ribs they have left over from an earlier barbecue and a brownie for dessert. That's what I call trail magic.

Both mention that Savanna had passed earlier, so she apparently passed me but is not too far ahead.

I  walk another 2 miles to a lake after this yummy pre-dinner while the guys skip ahead 20 miles to catch up with some hiker friends.

September 23
To Trout Lake Creek 
24 miles 

Started walking at 6.30 but had to stop for half an hour as it started to rain. I repacked my pack: sleeping bag and down jacket in a dry bag and put on my rain gear. While doing that one southbounder rushed by with a poncho over her pack and head. Wish I had mine too already!

Passed by some weekend hikers and was happy not to be the only crazy person walking out there in the rain. One of them said that it was going to clear out again tomorrow. Good news!

Lunch break by a lake. Not as nice as out used to be. Felt really cold afterwards and finally put my rain gloves on.

Met Savanna shortly afterward and we then wandered through the train together. I complained about Washington and how boring it was and she was wondering if I would leave the trail soon. She said she would try to find something nice each day otherwise it would not make sense to be here. True.

At up camp width Savanna and Matt at 5.30 pm early but 24 miles for me already.

September 24 |Here comes the sun 
To Kilian Creek 
20.5 miles 

Happy to see rays of sun touching top of the trees after the first climb. Trail magic just before Trout Lake Road. 

Burnt area with lots of sun. Chance to dry wet clothing, sleeping bag and tent.

Some Northbounders I hadn't seen since Kennedy Meadows. They had flip-flopped from Truckee to Canada and are now walking south. We both were happy to see each other and after chatting for a while I wished them save travels.

Beautiful views of Mt St Helens Mt Adams & Mt Rainier all afternoon. 

September 25 | C,... Pass
To Tentsite Mile 2271
29.2 miles 

Start at 6.15 with Zig Zag and Roadside. 13.5 miles by 11 am. Dinner with Zig-Zag and Roadside, we both have not seen Savanna today.

September 26 | Knives Edge
To Gillette Lake, mile 2290
19 miles 

It's going to be a beautiful and fascinating day but it starts slow. 

My legs feel very sore in the morning and although I am awake and hear the guys leave camp at 6 am I decide to have a late start today. The first two miles are slow although there are beautiful views already. The sun is out already and I put on my T-shirt. Looks like it's going to be a clear and sunny day.

I climb up Knifes Edge and I am absolutely fascinated by the views of Mt St. Helens, Mt Adams, and Mt Rainier. I remember why I  am doing this trail! A real highlight so far in Washington which definitely makes my day. The trail continues on a ridge and at the highest point I just raise my hands and scream out of pure happiness. Feels so good to be on top of everything. The walk to the valley reminds me a lot about the Sierra Nevada: the trail, the creeks, the colors….

September 2 | white pass 
To creek & Tentsite 
14 miles 

Easy two miles in the morning to the Knacker Barrel store at White Pass. I leave camp at 7 am and I arrive at the store just before it opens at 8 am. It is close to a ski area; it is cloudy so half of the mountain is covered with clouds. Almost looks like it would rain.

I have breakfast with a big coffee as soon as they open. Unfortunately, they do not have showers bit the lady says I might be able to check with some hikers who have rented a room in the lodge next door.

A few minutes later, Zigzag and Roadside enter the store. They have checked out already but I can convince the guy at the reception to give me the keys so I can take a shower. It's perfect as this also gives me the opportunity to unpack my boxes and reorganize my pack. I now have an emergency blanket, a poncho, and an additional warm pair of leggings. Some more weight but after my last recent experience I am convinced I need those.

Hiked out with Savanna at 3 pm. We had some interesting conversations about body and mind: When is the body tired and when is the mind? And when is the latter tricking us blaming it on the body?