Meet Mama Walker

In my last post I said I hated the saying, "everything happens for a reason." I assume you know why; stuff like the holocaust sort of messes that belief up. But to view life as totally random...that nothing happens for a reason...well, that can mess with you too. While discussing such things with Mary as we drove to pick up her car that we left at the Deer Creek Summit Campground she said, "The older I get, the one thing I know, is that I don't know anything." That is truth! I have let go of the need to know as well. That does not mean I have let go of faith; in fact, I think it takes more faith to embrace uncertainty...but this is talk more suited for my other blog. So, back to Mary. 

Meeting Mary was one of those "this feels like it is happening for a reason" moments. I met Twig in one of those moments, and then she led me to Mary. "Mama Walker" (as she's known to the hikers) is a trail angel extraordinaire, letting any PNT'er crash her home, eat her food, use her stuff...whatever they need. But Mary had hiked very little of the Pacific Northwest Trail herself. That will change next year when she does her own thru hike - fingers crossed!

Though Mary was wanting some "Pre-PNT" experience, therefore hiking together made a lot of sense. I had yet another Friday off of work, so a trip back to the east side was in order. The North Kettle Crest Trail is a perfect two car point to point hike, and this was the perfect time to do it. The stars aligned, and another 29 miles has been added to my total. I only have 70 miles left to my 500 mile goal. Will I lose faith in life, faith, meaning and God if it all falls apart with tragedy, illness, or crisis? I hope not! But if there's one thing I know, it's that I don't know. Happy "uncertain yet still hopeful" trails. 

TRAIL LOG

Day 1: Another "just driving" day, but I had another serendipitous experience with my travels back and forth in this area that I want to mention. Stopping at the Winthrop Mountain Store on my previous trip, I had forgotten my sunglasses, so on the way back I forced myself to bring my book in see if they would be interested in buying it (I HATE self promotion) but what are the chances anyone would be there who had any say in that? Except the owner was there! And she seemed interested; though totally non-committal and only gave me her email. So on this trip, I stopped again...why not? Lo and behold, there she was - and this time she bought a couple books; probably just to get rid of me, ha ha - but I'll take it! So go buy my book in Winthrop so she'll see she made a good choice. :) Anyway, I met Mary there, and then we caravaned to Sherman Pass to drop my car, then drove together to our starting point at Deer Creek. She had the foresight to set her car up to be able to just sleep in the back, which was a great plan considering how late we finally got there. Six hours of driving? Ugh, I'm over it! I'll find closer miles until I get to 450, and then I plan on finishing in Glacier. We shall see.

PNT trail crew set up here - so grateful for all they do!

Day 2: The first lesson of the day was "check your FarOut app often" as we missed a turn pretty early on, though thankfully no more than a half mile was wasted. We loaded up on water when we came to the only noted water source at 4 miles, just in case we couldn't make our 15 mile goal to the next one. At the 10 mile mark and spot where we could make a "camp," I didn't know if I had it in me to keep going; but Mama Walker pushed me, and it was the better choice. FYI, this portion of trail is heavily overgrown, but it is logged out. Anyway, at just about a half mile before the Neff Spring Camp there was a sign posted as "Lambert Mountain Trail" instead of Kettle Crest. Was it just changing names, or were we supposed to turn? We could see another trail going off, though a very undefined one. This was lesson #2: you can't always rely on an app to help you - especially on a slope. (It's very hard for satellite to pinpoint you in that situation...you can keep going down, but it will read you in the same location; or further up or down than you are. It's frustrating.) After farting around for quite a while trying to find the non-descript trail, we decided following the main, obvious trail - even if it was the wrong one - was our best bet. Before long it became clear it was indeed the right trail; ugh, I hate confusing signs and when my FarOut wonks out. Then when we arrived at camp we found a group of the cutest older ladies (one had just turned 79- inspiring!) with no place left to put our tents; though we made do.

Not ideal

"This sign says Kettle Crest!"...no shit Sammy ;)

Day 3: The 15 mile day set us up to have fresh legs for the Copper Butte climb, which is no joke. The bugs on top are no joke either, so we didn't stay long. The trail from that point on is a dream...completely clear with no serious climbs. (Though certainly not flat!) BEAUTIFUL ridge walking for about a mile before the very nice "Piped Spring and Trail Camp." Expect bugs though - it is what it is with the swampy area close by. A total of 7.4 miles for this day.

Much better

Day 4: A relatively easy 6.6 miles out to my awaiting car. Lots of threatening thunder this day, but thankfully the deluge didn't strike until we were driving home. (I pulled over it was so bad!) The brunch at 18 North Kitchen and Bar is fabulous, and if you like Eggs Benedict -- THE BEST!

Here we go...

We did it - thanks Mama Walker!