A Needed Rest...
11 days since our last shower. After 250 miles of the PCT, we came across one last breathtaking view, one that rivaled the imposing peaks of the North Cascades, and even Mount Rainier dominating the skyline: I-90 passing through Snoqualmie Pass. I-90, the interstate that would spirit us into Seattle, to comfortable, clean sheets, to a fridge stocked with delicious summer food, to Portage Bay Cafe and their berry buffet bar, and to a much needed shower, lay at the bottom of this valley, our valley. I'd been fantasizing about how decadent a plate I could find at Snoqualmie Pass for days, and now it was within reach!
The previous night we'd found our most beautiful campsite of the PCT to date - a flat granite slab perched at the end of a valley facing directly towards Mt. Rainier. With rain fly off (the weather had been impeccable the last few days and nights), we slept to the sound of fresh mountain streams and woke periodically to gaze in awe at the star speckled sky. We'd notice that throughout our hike, we had observed the stars only a handful of times, as the sun sets at 9:30 now, far past our original hiker's bedtime (as early as 6:30 pm...). After 20 mile day of hiking in the mountains, every bone and muscle in your body wants only two things: food, and sleep, so stars come later. Now, with the forecast clear, every night is a starry night.
We woke in the morning to the sun cresting the horizon, spreading a golden blanket across the mountain's previously pure white glaciers. Today was a short day, only 10 miles to the Snoqualmie Pass trailhead, so we opted for a special treat, cozy breakfast in bed for both of us. Despite 17 consecutive oatmeal breakfasts, our cold-soaked fancy oats are still a contender for my favorite meal on the PCT, especially if the specific day has raisins...
We packed the tent happily, as the sun warmed us and the oats buoyed our spirits, and set out for Snoqualmie.
