Campsite at mile 2425.21 to Campsite above Deception Lake
What an awesome night. The temperature was perfect, the tentsite was flat, and the ground with pine needle cover was warmer than it has been for a while. I got a great night sleep, but the 5:30 AM alarm was still annoyingly early. Although it was a good sleeping temperature, it was pretty chilly getting out of the sleeping bag, but we all did and we were ready to hike by 7:10 AM.
Ready to hike
Just after the start of the hike we crossed a cool bridge over Waptus River.
Share Bear crossing the bridge
Today's hike will take us over one pass and partly up a second for a total elevation gain of 5,111 feet in just under 19 miles. Before the first climb we had a nice gentle hike through the forest floor with fall colors all around.
Share Bear hiking the PCT
We came to a river that had the most perfect rocks to use to cross with.
Zen river rock crossing
The first climb was up and over Cathedral Pass and had a amazing view for most of it.
View from Cathedral Pass climb
Share Bear rounding a switchback on climb up Cathedral Pass
Self-portrait "Almost to Cathedral Pass"
At the top of the pass we were hungry and decided to stop short for lunch and eat up there. After lunch we headed down the pass and came across this sign warning us of a possible dangerous river crossing ahead.
Difficult ford?!?
Brad was hiking ahead of us, so I asked him to stop at the difficult ford in case I needed his help. 3.3 miles later we came to the ford that wound up not being too bad. I guess that earlier in the season when the river is running faster it is more difficult.
Not too difficult ford
On the way up the next pass, the views were spectacular as well.
View while climbing next pass
As we got further up the pass the clouds got thicker and looked pretty cool.
Fog rolling in
Washington is so beautiful. With all the moisture the trail is lined with moss and moss-covered rocks.
Moss along the PCT
We arrived at Deception Lake where we plan on spending the night. Check out the square-based rock in the lake. Pretty interesting.
Natural rock?
Another view of Deception Lake
Right at the end of the day I saw this really nice PCT sign.
PCT sign of the day
As we approached our planned campsite there was a sign on a tree indicating there is a toilet nearby:
Toilet up there
So, of course I had to check it out.
Fun looking toilet
It didn't look or smell the best, but I think in the cold, dark morning it will be better than digging a hole...we shall see.
We made it to camp pretty early today, just after 6:00 PM. After setting up my tent and filtering water it was starting to get pretty cold so I cooked and ate dinner in the alcove of my tent.
Tonight we are camping at 5,093 feet so we assume it will be pretty cold tonight. As a matter of fact, I am currently totally inside my sleeping bag as I am typing this. My hands are getting colder so I better wrap this up. Tomorrow we make it to Steven's Pass where we will we Tim and spend the night before headed back on trail. So, until tomorrow...
We made it to camp pretty early today, just after 6:00 PM. After setting up my tent and filtering water it was starting to get pretty cold so I cooked and ate dinner in the alcove of my tent.
Tonight we are camping at 5,093 feet so we assume it will be pretty cold tonight. As a matter of fact, I am currently totally inside my sleeping bag as I am typing this. My hands are getting colder so I better wrap this up. Tomorrow we make it to Steven's Pass where we will we Tim and spend the night before headed back on trail. So, until tomorrow...
Close quarters for the night
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