Day 4 - The Day of Days!!

Start Time: 6:42 AM
End Time: 5:45 PM
Start Mileage: 2497.90
End Mileage: 2511.90
Distance Walked (Miles): 14.0
Elevation Gain (Feet): 2329
Descent (Feet): 4104

We set off walking at 6:42 AM, and the trail was a pleasant downhill stroll. We decided we would try and get a couple of miles in before stopping for breakfast and coffee. The walk was very pleasant, and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day.

As we were getting close to our breakfast spot, we were greeted by a beautiful husky who was very playful. We didn’t have an opportunity to chat with the owner, as the campsite was up on top of a bit of a hill that enjoyed lovely views. Easy for the dog to get down—not so much for the owner.

Shortly thereafter, we stopped for breakfast after walking the 1.6 miles Woody had allotted. After a pleasant breakfast, washed down with a cup of coffee, we were back on the trail, which started to go up, up, and up some more. Unfortunately, it was already hot, and going across an open patch of ground that offered not even a hint of shade, the sun was baking on our backs. Fortunately, we soon reached the trees, and the conditions for climbing became so much more bearable. It was determined we would be going in an upward trajectory even after lunch!!

We eventually stopped for lunch, which was both well earned and enjoyed in the shade of a campground Woody had scoped out. He’s handier than a shirt in a pocket, that Woody!

We had a hellacious climb right after lunch, but I’m pleased to say we never stopped until we reached the top. It had been a brutal climb in the heat of the day, and the only thing that worked in our favor was a breeze that hit us shortly after leaving our lunch site.

Once we had summited, it was all downhill, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We eventually reached a creek, and our path across appeared to be problematic. The water was running pretty good, and a large tree appeared to be our only hope of getting across. Unfortunately, none of us fancied walking across such an obstacle. A slip could be fatal. After studying the situation, we determined the only way across was via a pair of small logs, which led to the larger tree. What we didn’t see was the smaller log that ran parallel with the much larger tree and which allowed just enough room for us to shimmy across the tree to pick up the trail.

We now had a further climb, but nothing too serious, where we eventually reached Baekos Creek, which was where we camped that night.

Tonight’s dinner was a Peak Refuel Chicken Pesto Pasta. I shared it with Woody, who was getting low on food. We both agreed it was delicious.

I would add that earlier this morning, we met about a dozen people coming down the trail as we were heading up. It turned out to be a University of Washington class called Wilderness in the Anthropocene. It consisted of 9 students and 3 co-leaders, and they were hiking in the Glacier Peak Wilderness and learning about natural history, climate change, and the meaning of wilderness. Claire and Tim appeared to be two of the leaders. Tim was gathering information from Huckleberry about the work of OIC. I was chatting with Claire, who has a business teaching wilderness colour painting online. She sells subscriptions and posts recordings of her creating her art. Her friends say Claire gets to hike for a living.

Tim is a prof at U. Washington and appeared to be the senior leader of this week-long wilderness adventure course.