My Six Day Hike

I knew I was behind on my "schedule" of increasing my backpack days by one day per year. Last year was supposed to be the 5 day (fail) so that this year I could do 6 days. If you're trying to figure out the math of how I'm going to get to 50 days of hiking in just the four years until I turn 50...don't. I came up with the "50 days when I turn 50" before I had backpacked a day of my life. So I started with a one night backpack, and every year I try to make it one day longer. I figured if I got to my 49th birthday and could backpack 9 days; then I'd be "prepared" to go for the 50 days the following year.

I was trying to be okay with being behind; I was doing the best I could, after all. It's not easy to carve out that much time to be away from life...and for heaven's sake it's already October. But not being able to accomplish the simple goal of one extra day a year was really making me doubt the whole plan. 

And then, a miracle. A forecast of incredible weather for a whole week. (In October, don't forget) I was wrestling, though, with not only guilt for leaving my family yet again, and taking off work yet again; but also the very real fear and anxiety that always goes along with thinking about being out there alone, yet again. (and even "incredible" weather in October is going to be awfully chilly at night) 

An article I read by a thru hiker of the PNT (Pacific NW Scenic Trail; not to be confused with the much longer and more traveled PCT) Jeff Kish gave me the courage to just go for it. In his story he describes a conversation he was having with an elderly gentleman while "refueling" in town half way through his journey. The older man (Bob) was so excited to hear about this hike, and started sharing his own stories of outdoor glory days. Before leaving, Bob tells Jeff, "this is a good thing you're doing...while you're still young"; then, while choking back tears, leaves saying, "I wish I could be young again." I cried after I read it, and determined I needed to do what scares me while I still could. (I know, I really didn't do the tale justice--you should read it yourself http://gearjunkie.com/pnt-trip-report-pacific-ocean)

Though, just because I was set on doing 6 days didn't mean I knew where the heck I was going. That is always the hardest part; "the plan". I go round and round, ask lots of annoying questions on the NWhikers forum, come up with something, change my mind, ask more questions, and so on and so forth.

Almost there!

As I was scouring through trip reports, I came across Erik Antonelli's (better known as "Sir-hikes-a-lot") report for the same spot I had my eye on. Coincidentally, Erik also thru hiked the PNT (for charity), and since I had donated I figured I could guilt him into answering some of my annoying questions.Turns out no guilt was needed; he was quick to reply with a cheerful eagerness to help. Erik's passion is to help kids experience the healing power of nature, so if you're so inclined to donate to the WTA's youth program in his name, I'm sure it'd be much appreciated. 

Sassy pants is ready to roll!

The biggest obstacle in this epic plan of mine was recruiting someone to drop me off at point A on day one, and another to pick me up at point B on day 6. It was a grueling 4 hour drive to point A, with 20 miles of it on a very sketchy forest road. I had no guilt bargaining chip big enough for that one...though I did have a couple ladies who said they'd really like to hike with me. Just how serious were they?

A sweaty palms drive

A serious hiker, AND football fan

Turns out, pretty damn serious. Two days notice serious, missing a Seahawks game serious, and "I'll do all the cooking for us" serious. So the glorious plan was born... Melodie (veteran hiker and camp chef extraordinaire) would drive myself and Leigh (eager backpacking virgin) past Mazama on the road from hell to the top of the world drop off of Hart's Pass. There we would go north just a mile and a half to set up camp, then hike a little farther to get us as close to Windy Pass as daylight would allow. (Had to get back in time to make dinner; I was not going to miss out on that gourmet meal!)

Now this is serious! Beats my Top Ramen for sure.

Then, a leisurely hike out the next day, where they would drive me four miles down the road to Meadows Campground (I'm not opposed to cheating a little...I needed to cut a few miles to make it to Grasshopper Pass before dark) where I could reconnect to the trail (the legendary PCT in fact) and continue south all the way down to Rainy Pass on day 5 where I would meet my husband and we would hike the Maple Pass loop hike together on day 6. Whew, that's a whole lot a plan, right? Too much plan for one little post, (okay, not so little) so I'll have to continue next time. 

part two: http://kellbell-whywouldanyonereadthis.blogspot.com/2014/10/day-two-to-grasshopper-pass.html

Table Mountain

Lisa used to be a non-hiker. She is now converted.

I've only known Lisa for a few years. We met because our youngest daughters are friends. She must have started reading my blog when I wrote a post about taking our girls on a hike a few years ago. (Two years, two months to be exact. It's titled "Park Butte or Baker Lake" if you want to read it) So, I started badgering her to go on a hike with me--not just a hike, actually, but a backpack. I had it in my head that we should take the girls back to the Baker Lake trail with two cars and do the whole 14 miles end to end. Did I mention she had never hiked before? Yeah, well she was sure to mention it every time I asked her.

I'm kind of an annoying friend, I'll admit. I know it wasn't fair to continue to pressure her to go "all in" like that. It paid off though; after two years of harassment, she finally agreed to go on a DAY hike...and it better not be too hard!

Of all the choices in this great state, I picked one of the very few that actually mentions death in it's trail description. (on the Washington Trail's Association page) I somehow overlooked that part when I sent the link to Lisa to read; though she certainly did not. In my defense, the trail "claimed more than a couple hikers" when it was a loop; which it no longer is. Regardless, I understand how that information might jump out at someone who is going on their first hike. 

Of course we made this, why would you doubt? ;)

Though, I have to confess it also says things like "can be dangerous" and "parts are steep and exposed" and "keep your children close"...so I guess I can't really blame Lisa for being unnerved. I assured her if she was too scared, we would turn around and go down to the Bagley Lakes hike, which I also sent an informational link for her to read. 

Snow angel?

"You mean the baby hike?" she scoffed. ("Easy for little feet", "bring the family", and "easy for kids over four" are a few of the descriptors. I have such devious ways of getting people to do what I want) And so, do or die, Table Mountain it was. 

I could tell Lisa was having some serious second thoughts when I pointed at the mountain as it came into view. "Are you sure that's a hike?" she bemoaned, "hiking is different than rock climbing, y'know". I pointed out the little people seemingly scaling the side of the cliff to assure her it was a hike. It wasn't helpful. 

Hiking Ninja!

After finally finding a parking spot and using the worst smelling bathroom ever, we at last got going. As we made our way up and it was getting steeper, I wanted to reassure Lisa it was safe. So as a group of older gentleman passed us going down, I asked if they made it to the top. (if they can do it, certainly we could!) Yes, of course they made it! 

Standing in line for the bathroom of death;
Tabletop in background

"It's not scary, right", I asked, wanting to seal the deal. "Oh no!" one man consoled, "not until you get to the part that's only this wide (holding hands about 6 inches a part) with nothing but a bunch of loose rocks and a cliff to fall off of"...then he left with a naughty little grin. Sheesh, I should have known no man can be trusted when faced with an opportunity to freak a girl out. 

As we passed others, Lisa had fun telling them this was her first hike. "And this is what she chose for me", she'd say with playful ire. "I think she's punishing me for saying no to her backpacking idea", she'd explain. I think she's on to my devious ways. 

Getting to the top was really not that bad. I had chosen wisely after all, because I could tell Lisa was exhilarated and proud of herself; exactly what I was hoping for. The whole thing was a walk in the park for our adrenaline junkie girls, but I know they enjoyed it nonetheless.  

I rock!!!!!

But the best part was hearing Lisa say, "I'm kind of sad it's over" as we were driving home. Baker Lake and your 14 miles of glory; it's only a matter of time.

Off the Rails at Railroad Grade

(continued from "An Overnight Adventure with My Hubby at Park Butte")

Have you ever heard of Mumbley Peg? I hadn't either, but my husband introduced me to it when we got back to camp and found we had hours on our hands with not a whole lot to do. 

If you have heard of the game, chances are you played it differently. I looked it up when I got home, and found multiple variations; but here is Ken's version: 1) Stand facing each other a couple feet apart  2) Take a pocket knife and try to stick it in the ground where your opponent has to reach their foot to touch it 3) Continue taking turns back and fourth until someone cannot spread their legs far enough to touch the knife (now for the "fun" part; the penalty for losing) 4) Find a "peg" of some sort; in this case a small twig 5) Dig a hole for the peg and stick it in until it is flush with the ground 5) Watch with amusement as loser has to pull out peg with their mouth. (harder than you think, because your teeth can't reach it due to your nose getting in the way) Oh the games boys come up with to entertain themselves!

I win?

I don't think Ken expected me to get the hang of it so quickly. Just as Ken was kissing the ground, our mysterious campsite companion came around the corner. How strange that he decided to take his tent elsewhere.

Nice to meet you!

Actually, we did know why he decided to move. The reason this camp was completely full was because of all days and places, we chose to come backpacking in the same spot as a middle school field trip. Greg (one of the teachers) explained that he was glad to have had a site "away from it all" for one night, but that he had really better camp with the group for the last night. We offered to teach the kids Mumbley Peg...can't imagine why he wasn't interested. ;) 

Everyone get in line; we have knives to pass out!

I have to say, considering there were hordes of seventh graders running around, our "away from it all" spot really was pretty peaceful...until the guys we met in the parking lot the day before showed up. Sheesh, we couldn't catch a break! 

The Project Pressure gang

It was all good though. They were interesting to talk to; working on something called "Project Pressure" and taking photos of glacial melt all around the world. We had easy conversation about environmental stuff and funny camping stories; though when Mumbley Peg came up, they were not interested in playing either. I just can't understand why some people are not excited about licking dirt. 

High camp would have been pretty awesome;
maybe next time

I'm not sure if I should explain how we got to the top of Railroad Grade the next day; because we did not use the "official" trail. The sign in the parking lot clearly said to only use "official" trails, though by the look of the trail we ended up utilizing, we are not the only naughty people around. I'll just say that if your coming down from Cathedral Camp, it's not too difficult to find a short cut climbers trail to the left. After getting close enough to the glacier to get some good photos, we "officially" came down Railroad Grade; which officially made me REALLY appreciate not going up that way. 

After finishing the hike we were in no hurry to get home, so we decided to stop for a late lunch at Birdsview Brewing Co. I'm so glad we did, because we ended up staying three hours just enjoying their beautiful beer garden, loaner guitars, and hospitality of one of the nicest restaurant owners I have ever met. I highly recommend stopping in if you can. (their Dirty Blonde beer is amazing!)

And so, after all that belly aching about Washington state, Ken found on our adventure: 1) No rain 2) No bugs 3) No wet tent from dew in the morning 4)Yummy beer. So I say, no more excuses! From now on, he has to come with me more often. Only next time, I'm bringing a deck of cards!  

Mumbley peg, shumbley peg!

An Overnight Adventure with My Hubby at Park Butte

He said yes!!!!

My husband has always been an outdoors-man. He grew up in the mountains; hiking and fishing and hunting and climbing (serious climbing in his day) was just a normal part of everyday life. But those were CALIFORNIA mountains...and he's been a little prejudice against mossy old Washington ever since he was forced to move here as a senior in high school. 

Not that he didn't continue to do those things a midst the rain and fungus of our dear state. But there had to be a damn good reason to spend the night outdoors this side of the mountains; and backpacking for the sake of backpacking was not one of them.

Park Butte is a popular place--people don't come from all over the world to hike in the North Cascade Mountains for no reason. We are incredibly blessed! It takes less than 2 hours for us to drive to dozens of drop dead gorgeous hikes; therefore for us it's not a necessity to stay the night outdoors...except that it's fun.

Unless there's a ton of bugs...and rain...and dew that makes everything damp and gets right into your bones. This is why Ken has always said no when I've asked him to come with me. (Yes, he did Spider Meadows...east of the mountains is a whole nother animal) I'm not completely sure why he said yes this time, except it was 2 days of 80 degree weather in September; and he felt guilty for always saying no.

What's the hurry?

We arrived on a Thursday to a pretty full parking lot. I had my sights set on staying at the lookout; which meant we should have gotten there by 9 am. I hate to admit that we were late because I had an appointment to get my hair done; but there you have it. I told my hairdresser it was the first time I was getting my hair done to go hiking; but at least I would look good in the pictures. (A first!) We ran into a group of four guys in the parking lot..."Are you planning on spending the night at the look out?" I asked. Of course they were. Oh well; at least we could take our time. We enjoyed a picnic lunch before we set out.

"Take a picture while my
hair still looks good"

Now that I knew we couldn't stay at the lookout, I had a hard time deciding where exactly to camp. I put down "High Camp" in the register, (shoot for the stars!) though the truth is I didn't have a clue. We set off with a very free spirit attitude; we would just figure it out along the way. (okay...that was more Ken's attitude than mine, but I was going with it) 

I will try my best to explain the situation. The trailhead to Park Butte leads to several hikes; in just 500 feet you can venture right to the Scott Paul loop, (saving that for another day) then in two and a half miles you come to the Railroad Grade turn off. (this is where High Camp is located; much higher up, of course) Ken told me he vaguely remembered hiking Railroad Grade 30 years ago...and that he wasn't too thrilled to do it again. It seemed logical to press on to the lookout on a Thursday (hopefully less busy) and consider adding the Railroad Grade the next day if we felt up to it...surely there were campsites to be found closer to Park Butte.

At the Railroad Grade turn off

The first area for camping we came to was shut down. (?!?!) Okay...next area looked promising...except it was full. On a Thursday?!?...what the heck? Checking everywhere, we at last found a spot. Yes, there was already a one man tent on it; but he wasn't even on the designated "pad". Certainly this was an invitation to share, which we readily accepted.

Sharing is caring

Do you see the lookout in the distance?

Onward and upward; we had to get to the lookout. Once we arrived it wasn't the "beehive" that Mount Pilchuck was...but it was busy nonetheless. We introduced ourselves to the couple that had claimed it for the night, (they arrived at 10:30 am-we didn't have a chance!) with the four hikers we met in the parking lot nowhere to be seen. 

We made it!

What a view!

Chatting with the lookout "hosts"

On the way down we ran into some friends and invited them to come crash our party on their way out. We had yet to meet the camper we had already infringed upon...I'll let you know about that next time.
(part 2:  http://kellbell-whywouldanyonereadthis.blogspot.com/2014/09/off-rails-at-railroad-grade.html)

I thought "What a great back drop"...
then I realized he was peeing

Wish they could have stayed...
maybe next time.