Today was a special day because we are finally approaching the last state in our journey, Washington. So many adventures have led us to this milestone, though the full significance has not really struck me as of yet.
We woke at 5:30 eager to make our day feel as short as possible. We were only 28 miles and change from our final state and we wanted to celebrate with a much needed shower and bed.
The air was damp and chilly as we packed up. A heavy cloud of fog had settled in the night and though our tent was surprisingly dry, everything else outside was wet. Tofu, as per usual, was packed and walking before us and we said goodbye to her. She marched on and we hurried to follow her.
The early hours went slowly for me as my shoes have worn out and I feel each pebble beneath my feet. That being said it was very beautiful inspite of the dense cloud we were walking through. We went over several high exposed ridges and by several lakes but could only see outlines and mist.
After about 12 miles time seemed to start to accelerate and the fog was burning off. Sherpa was hiking much faster than me and soon she was out of sight. I had stopped to pull out my snacks because the audio book I was listening to was talking about food and making me very hungry. By the time I had gotten myself together, Sherpa was gone.
I hiked on enjoying the trees and occasional snake in the path. Soon I found myself at a junction and only a few miles from Bridge of The Gods. There was a lot laying over the path that went straight and that is often an indicator that it is not the PCT so I turned right, down a switchback. I descended about a mile down a steep ridge and up another ridge almost just as far before I realized I was completely off trail.
Frustrated, though still determined to make good time, I retraced my steps and hiked on. It probably added about an hour and 3-4 miles to my day. When I was within site of Cascade Locks I turned on my phone to text Sherpa and let her know why I was running behind. She had already texted me that she was on her way to the diner with the all you can eat salad bar. I scrambled down the last few miles as fast as I could on my thin soled shoes
To my great surprise a day hiker passed me. Not to sound boastful but I rarely get passed. Especially when I am in a hurry. It was a little shocking and amusing.
Before I really had registered it, I was standing in line to order food. Sherpa was already on her second salad bar trip with Tofu.
We all sat, chatted, and ate excited to go across the Bridge of the Gods to Washington in just a few minutes.
Walking across the bridge was scary and exciting. There was no pedestrian lane and so we were just walking on the road on a very large and busy bridge. I was feeling very wobbly after 30+ miles and full of food. I was certain I was going to get run over. Sherpa and Tofu were ecstatic though and made me feel better and so I followed their lead.
We snapped some photos and high fived at the border then attempted to hitch to our hotel in Stevenson. We got a ride within moments.
The town of Stevenson was very cute and our generous driver pointed out some cool stops then dropped us at our hotel, The Rodeway Inn.
Our room was perfect. Two large beds for the 3 of us and of course a SHOWER! We piled in and one by one began the laborious process of cleaning our mud caked bodies. It really was a chore but so enjoyable.
After my shower I needed some food so I thought I would walk down to the gas station but found myself instead at a local brewery called Walking Man. I ordered a burger and fries to go and a flight while I waited. I very much underestimated the task I set in front of me. Nine very large tasters appeared in front of me and I knew I was going to be walking funny after this.
The beers were delicious! The descriptions and names were spot on. It was so easy to pick out the different listed flavors for each taster. I don’t think I have ever been so impressed with a brewery.
Afterwards I trudged back to the room to find that Sherpa had kindly already done the laundry and we all sat around and watched Chopped on tv, while I ate.
After food and a quick Game of Thrones episode, the lights went out and we fell asleep like little hiker babies.