PCT 2007 – Day 149 – Junction of Waptus Burn Trail – Trap Pass

Day 149 8-21-07 Tarp Tent 5800′
Junction of Waptus Burn Trail – Trap Pass
31.1 miles; 2464.4 (79.36) total miles; 4309.0 trip miles
50-60’s, sun, clouds, and Rain, Day ? of rain
Days camped alone 28

2007 PCT Critter Tour General Category
1- Deer count is 132
2- Marmot count is 106
3- Elk count is 65
4- Pika count is 45
5- Goat count is 21
6- Slug count is 14
7- Bear count is 7
8- Rattlesnake count is 6
9- Martin count is 1
10- Badger count is 1

!!!The Pikas were the only contenders who came out today. I counted 10 Pika, which puts them within 20 of the Elk!!!

Last night was spent worrying about the water that was getting inside me tent. I didn’t sleep worth a crap. I didn’t get up till almost quarter till seven. Packing was another nightmare, since everything was wet.

The sun appeared to be trying to come out. Unfortunately, there were a ton of clouds still and it took the sun a few hours before she finally came out. The good news was that it wasn’t raining! The bushes were wet and the trees were dripping, so I wore my rain suit for a few hours.

I made my way down to the Waptus River. It was 4.8 miles, 27 switchbacks, and a 2160 foot drop. While making my way along the Waptus Lake, I passed an older couple doing a section hike from Stevens to Snoqualmie Pass (S to S). I passed the Waptus River, Spade Lake, Spinola Creek, and Lake Vicente Trails all on my way up to Deep Lake. It was a 7.2 mile climb and a 1400′ ascent. I got water from the outlet of Deep Lake.
Next I had another climb to Cathedral Pass. This was another 3 miles and a 1200′ ascent to 5610′. I passed 3 guys doing S to S on the way up. When I got to the top, I had lunch with a couple from Bellingham, WA. While eating was able to dry almost all my stuff. My socks and shoes will be wet until I trash them at Stevens. I’m getting my last pair of shoes there.

Before I left the pass, I decided to see if my phone would work and it did. I called home and my friend Gordy to plan how he’s going to pick me up in a few days. Then I called my friend, Scott, who was supposed to be meeting me at Glacier Lake. He hadn’t even left yet and was not going to make it. As we planned what time to meet at Stevens, it started to rain. It just started to pour. I hung up and grabbed Bessy and headed downhill to where I knew there was a large stand of big trees. I hoped they would protect us both. I had just got her dry and didn’t want a wet pack again. I made it to the trees and they kept us dry while we waited out the storm. It only lasted 20 minutes and I hoped it was the last of the day.

Scatman 2011-

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Scatman

Get out there!