June 26, 2025 Campsite at mile 2647.3 to northern terminus at the Canadian border (Nobo mi 2655.8; Sobo mi 0), then back to Hopkins Lake (Nobo mi 2649.4; Sobo mi 6.4) 14.9 miles It’s a pretty morning when I wake just before 6. Mixed clouds and sunlight again. I lay down after my routine early …
June 23, 2025 Campsite below Cutthroat Pass at NOBO mile 2599.5 to Glacier Pass 15.8 miles It gets light early, just before 5, and I’m awake again. It usually takes me a while to get used to sleeping in my tent and on a sleeping pad again, so I’m not surprised that I was awake …
June 22, 2025 Rainy Pass to campsite below Cutthroat Pass at NOBO mile 2599.5 5.2 miles My heart skips a beat when the sign comes into view. “North Cascades Scenic Highway - Rainy Pass Picnic Area.” The base is stone, emblazoned with a metal Forest Service logo. The mountains behind it are jagged and snow-flanked, …
One whole rotation of the sun ago, I stood at the monument in Campo, California, and started walking north on the Pacific Crest Trail. I wanted to write a long, meandering, weepy reflection on this day like I tend to do, but I don't think I have it in me. I really should be grading. …
September 17-21, 2022 0 miles Seattle, Washington I wake up on the morning of September 17 in the ranger cabin feeling groggy. I don't know why, but the quality of sleep I've experienced on the PCT is far lower than on the AT. It could have something to do with the fact that my sleeping …
September 8, 2022 Leavenworth to Stevens Pass to campsite at mile 2481.2 16 miles I do not want to leave this amazing bed. No, no, no. I’m more tired than I’ve ever been. I hobble when I start moving. I am one with this mattress, these pillows. Movement? No thanks. But then it’s 6:50, and …
July 2, 2022 US 50 crossing at mile 1090.8 to campsite at mile ~1107.9 17.1 miles I wake up before everyone else and creep into the common area, where we’ve stored Tribute’s massive balloon. Finding it, I return to our room and clip it to Tribute’s bunk. “Happy birthday!” I whisper, trying not to wake …
July 1, 2022 0 miles Oh, it is a slow morning. I wake up naturally around 6:30 and think about going to write, but it just doesn’t happen. It’s too cozy, too early. I stay in the room. Eventually, though, the thought of breakfast becomes overpowering, and when Jumbo and Tribute are eventually awake enough …
June 29, 2022 Campsite at mile 1061.5 to Showers Lake at mile 1081.9 20.4 miles The mosquitoes went away in the night, but they’re back this morning. Still, it’s not as bad as it could be. There are just, say, three or four. Jumbo is packed up and ready to go long before we are, …
June 28, 2022 Wolf Creek at mile 1039.3 to campsite at mile 1061.5 22.2 miles Cowboy camping is so nice. You can set up fast, take down fast, and see the stars. But it’s all fun and games until the mosquitoes start whining in the morning. Then it’s time to move. I walk with Jumbo …
Sarahmarie Specht-Bird 