PCT Map Miles 305.5
Miles Hiked 177.8
Elevation 4,767 feet
Miles Hiked Today 18.0
Today, the stretch target is the Mike Urich Cabin. I say stretch because first, it’s 18 miles and second, the cabin is notorious for the noro virus outbreaks that are traced back to the cabin. Really, do I want to stay there and risk it?
So I’m up at my regular early hour, and I check the weather. There is a huge front of rain and cold moving in on Seattle. I’m due west and that means I’m going to get wet, too. I briefly debate just staying in my tent right here all day. Nope. It isn’t raining yet, so I pack up and go.
My rain strategy is in full force. My puffy is on and my rain coat is over that. The cover for my backpack is on, so I’m ready and head out.
As high in elevation as I am, I can see clouds below. Everything is cloudy and foggy as a matter of fact. The only redeeming quality is it’s cool, which is good for hiking.
And now for my pet peeve. People who pass me almost always say, “have a good hike,” or “enjoy your hike.”. Hey people! Are we on the same planet? The weather looks miserable. I mean really.
The rain hasn’t started as expected. That’s a relief. I’m moving pretty fast despite the interminable ascents, which slow me down. It looks like I can make the Urich Cabin if I want to risk noro virus. Then around 3:00 PM the rain starts it’s not a heavy rain, but with the cold it makes the going miserable. I step up my pace, but other hikers are passing me anyway. It looks like everyone is going to the cabin.
Finally, I reach the cabin cold, wet and muddy. What a mess. There are a lot of hikers there already and more are coming. The first thing I did was stake out a place to sleep. There is a big fire in the stove, so it shouldn’t be too cold in the cabin tonight. Of course that all depends on whether people going out and coming in actually shut the damn door.
