September 7, 2022 Mig Lake at mile 2457.7 to Leavenworth via Stevens Pass 7.5 miles Last night I fell asleep right at 9:00, and this morning I wake up at 5:00 on the dot. I lie there for a while, thinking about things, watching the stars blink out and the daylight switch on. It hits …
September 6, 2022 Campsite at mile 2438.8 to Mig Lake at mile 2457.7 19 miles I wake up grudgingly. I’m not looking forward to today after how painful yesterday was. I hear Jumbo moving around but ignore it for as long as I can until the peer pressure incites me to start moving. Ugh. I’m …
September 5, 2022 Campsite at mile 2418.7 to campsite at mile 2438.8 20.1 miles “Are you getting up?” “I mean, yeah. I have to pee.” Jumbo makes his eyebrows do that thing that’s simultaneously sad and entreating and endearing. I sigh. “Yes, I’ll get your food bag.” “YAYE!” I’m pretty sure he’s learned this pronunciation, …
Continue reading PCT Day 140: Everything Hurts And I’m Dying
September 4, 2022 Campsite at mile 2397.8 to campsite at mile 2418.7 21 miles This morning is beautiful, but I’m not thrilled about finishing this climb. Jumbo and I pack up lethargically and then start moving slowly up the slope like two old, broken-down machines. We warm up around the time we see Tribute chilling …
September 3, 2022 Mirror Lake at mile 2385.6 to campsite at mile 2397.8, with a stop in Snoqualmie Pass 12.2 miles Wait, I just realized that the title of this post sounds like a band name. A little clunky? Maybe. Maybe they play butt rock with plastic hardware store buckets. Maybe it’s experimental jazz, the …
Continue reading PCT Day 138: Snoqualmie and the Bad News Bears
September 2, 2022 Campsite at mile 2362.3 to Mirror Lake at mile 2385.6 23.3 miles I don’t know what hits me this morning, but I wake up with an uncharacteristically large amount of energy. Jumbo isn’t even rustling around with his oatmeal packets yet, and Tribute is still in Slug Mode. But I have a …
September 1, 2022 Campsite at mile 2338 to campsite at mile 2362.3 24.4 miles For once, I actually feel rested when I wake up. This might have something to do with the fact that when I woke up having to pee last night, I actually got up right away instead of lying there deliberating …
August 31, 2022 Mile 2317.4 to campsite at mile 2338 20.6 miles It’s already uncomfortably warm at 6:30. Uh oh. I think I had one day of cheese and now it’s done. I can already tell I’m going to struggle today. But the sky is blue and pink and I’m still out here in this …
Continue reading PCT Day 135: Books, Bounce Birds, and Blistering Heat
August 30, 2022 White Pass to mile 2317.4 21.6 miles Our camp location isn’t conducive to a good night’s sleep. I keep tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable, trying to avoid facing the bright lights on the building next door. Jumbo and I wake up at the same time and walk in opposite directions …
August 29, 2022 Campsite at mile 2277.3 to White Pass I wake up to Jumbo’s hand on my arm. Confused, I look at him as he comes into focus, and by way of explanation he tilts his head towards Mt. Adams, which is slowly lighting up with the sunrise. I sit up and take it …
Sarahmarie Specht-Bird 