2023 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Day 1 of the final miles

North Cascade Mountains, Rainy Pass, WA

It would be a long morning and a late start on day 1 to the trailhead at Rainy Pass. Upon waking we checked as to highway status again and highway 20 was still closed for us from the west side. Instead of the slightly more than an hour transit, we would have to head way south and west, then east over Stevens Pass, then back north and west to approach Rainy Pass from the east side of the mountain range. Going this way, Google showed the trip at 5 hours, 56 minutes! Just lovely. We just sucked up the reality of the situation and went with it. But that didn't make us feel any better. Not at all.

Getting started out from our nice little campsite and heading south, we found a Starbucks and topped off with coffee and fuel then continued on down. We moved through Lake Stevens, then onto highway 2 through Monroe, Sultan, and over the Sevens Pass. We thought briefly about stopping for a moment in Leavenworth for more coffee and, after seeing the herds of people, didn't give it another thought. We turned north on highway 97 to Pateros, without the usual stop at the Sweetwater Bakery, then headed west back into the mountains. We noticed all the winter signs were in use that usually alert drivers that highway 20 was closed due to snow, now in being used because of the fire. We drove past Methow, Twisp, and Mazama, now about noontime, and continued on. There were very few other cars on the highway. It looked like a lot of local cyclists were actually taking advantage of the very light traffic to ride and enjoy all the majestic mountains without folks trying to run them over. We turned into the trailhead parking lot and found room to stage with the trailer and then got Runningbird rigged up to go. It was obvious there was a bit of nervousness going on between us with all the changes in plans from yesterday, the long drive of the morning, the late day start, and the knowledge of a forest fire blazing not too terribly far to the west with winds out of the west. Fortunately there was a long lake between the fire and the PCT. We said a tense goodbye (which is a nice way of saying it wasn't the usual hugs and kisses), and once again she was on her way. Beau and I stood there watching as she disappeared into the trees and then Beau looked up at me and gave me that look like this was all my fault. Again.

North Cascades Highway 20, WA.

We went for a short walk along the edges of the parking lot before getting back in the truck for more driving. It was kinda nice having very few other cars on the road and I took advantage of several of the turnouts to appreciate the views since there was no longer any hurry. My plan from here was to go back east and reconnect with highway 97 north at Okanagan and up to visit with my friend Jim again for a day or two. We arrived at his cabin in Wauconda just in time for a chicken dinner with steamed broccoli and amazing garlic mashed potatoes. His son Arthur and friend were also there visiting but doing their own thing (playing frisbee golf and the course Arthur had set up). While I generally don't drink very often, a glass of whiskey seemed like a good idea after my last doctor's appointment and the hustle and bustle of the last few days. And thus it was an early to-bed-night for me. Again. That's why I don't usually drink much. First drink is good. Second drink, put me to bed.

North Cascades Highway 20 near Mazama,WA

North Cascades Highway 20 near Mazama, WA