Day 152
9/1/14
23.7 miles to Hopkins Lake
2653.8 total miles

Well, we didn’t get the clear views I had hoped for. Low clouds this morning prevented us from seeing very far. It did clear up some later and the sun came out for brief moments. Most of the day was cool to cold. Actually perfect for hiking. I spent much of the day looking for heart rocks and huckleberries. I found lots of both.

Early in the day we met Ted hiking sobo. He had been hiking with Ron Strickland who pioneered the Pacific Northwest Trail. Ted hiked the PCT in the early 80’s. Now he hikes 2 weeks a year. Jobs get in the way. I would have loved to meet Ron but he was hiking north, too far ahead of us.

The light near the end of the day kept getting better and better.

Atlas, me and Bambi at the PCT/PCT junction

We met WashPot, Moxa, and Will hiking back to Hart’s Pass. We saw Will at the end of the day and he turned around and camped with us.

Hopkins Lake

I am now camped with Atlas, Bambi, False Summit,  Mike and Will at Hopkins Lake.

Hot dinner was great…..

I thought a lot today about this hike ending. Atlas put it in perspective. We have lots of great hiking related things ahead (PCT Days and ALDHA West). It’s just the hard work that is done.