Days 143 to 146 (Miles 2569.4 to 2643.8)

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We left Stehekin on the first shuttle at 8:15 in the morning. The bus made a quick stop at the bakery where almost everyone bought giant cinnamon rolls. The bus was filled with PCT hikers. We spent some time debating how many cinnamon rolls a person would need to consume (if they carried no other food) to successfully hike the remaining 80 miles to the Canadian border. There was no consensus.

At least a dozen people were waiting for the shuttle when we arrived at High Bridge Ranger Station. We finally met Andy and Laurie! We’ve been hiking either a few days ahead or a few days behind them since the beginning of April. We didn’t have much time to chat, but we said hello before they hopped on the bus and we got back on the trail.

Thimbleberries. These are like flavorful raspberries that fall apart as soon as you pick them.
Thimbleberries. These are like flavorful raspberries that fall apart as soon as you pick them.

The wind picked up as we walked. We heard two trees fall – fortunately neither one was nearby. We spent most of the day climbing gradually up about 5000 feet. We stopped a few miles short of Rainy Pass and set up camp next to Bridge Creek.

The bridge at Bridge Creek is in bad shape.
The bridge at Bridge Creek is in bad shape.
This is the replacement bridge at Bridge Creek.
This is the replacement bridge at Bridge Creek.

In the morning we crossed Highway 20 at Rainy Pass. We signed the register then continued on past Cutthroat Pass, Granite Pass and Methow Pass. It rained on us a little. Southbound hikers mentioned snow flurries, but we somehow managed to avoid the worst of the weather. The sky cleared up as we set up camp at Glacier Pass.

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Mile 2600!!

The following day we only hiked a short 8 miles. My parents and friends, Marianne and Rob, had set up camp at the Meadows Campground just below Harts Pass. The unpaved road to Harts Pass is the last road we cross before reaching the Canadian border. They brought a lot of delicious food. In the evening we sat by the campfire and enjoyed good wine and good company. It was nice to take half a rest day before finishing the last 40 miles of trail.

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A big thank you to Kit and Janet for these wonderful wines!
A big thank you to Kit and Janet for these wonderful wines!
Yum.
Yum.

From Harts Pass we hiked 26 miles, mostly through the Pasayten Wilderness, to the crystal clear Hopkins Lake. We set up camp there for our last night on the trail.

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5 thoughts on “Days 143 to 146 (Miles 2569.4 to 2643.8)”

  1. Congratulations 2 both of you👏💐🍷! You are great hickers & made these 2’600 miles joyfully😊 And sharing your impressions & pics was wonderfull👍 Enjoy return back home😘 Corinne

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