March 2025

Slackpack day! Waking up was a bit rough this morning. I could’ve had at least two more hours of shut eye, but we had miles to make.

This morning, moods were a bit sour. Janitor was tired from yesterday and his knee pain, while I was tired, hungry, and ready to get to town.

Down we went, step after agonizing step. After a while I couldn’t think anymore, I could only do. My day was briefly lit up by the sighting of a Pink Lady Slipper, my only one of the day. Eventually we made it to a road around 4 pm and I had to have my dinner then because I knew a snack bar wouldn’t do enough to raise my blood sugar.

Eventually our descent was over and we reached a highway, crossed it, and started a short climb. As we were emerging onto another gravel road, a yellow sign caught my eye. “Trail Magic by the Southern Cookie Lady” – awesome!

Storms were brewing, and across the river I could already see the rain falling from the clouds above the mountains. I didn’t want our first day back on trail to start out wet.

It all started just after midnight, when we were awoken by the wind shaking and whipping our tent about. It was pouring. Suddenly, a white light flashed and illuminated the tent around us – lightning.