My first day was a little rough. I was feeling nauseas and had quite a few miles to hike. I pulled up to the trailhead, did some stretching and off I went.  I didn’t see anyone for the first five miles.  Then came across some mountain bikers going to ride the wilderness boundary.  After I left them I started to feel worse.  I was climbing up to Horsehead Pass and had to stop at every switchback to steady my stomach.  I finally made it up to the top for a great view of Boiling Lake.  I rested there and ate a plain English muffin.  I was beginning to feel better.  I hiked on to Cub Lake and set up my tent in a nice sandy location.  My task was to hang a sign to let motorcycle users know they can’t ride the trail that goes around the lake. I put that up and after seven hours of hiking, went to bed.

Day two I woke up feeling all better.  I cleaned up some campsites and headed out to Cooney Lake.  I hiked the Summit Trail and was blown away by the amount of wildflowers.  I was in the same spot two weeks ago and they’ve quadrupled in volume!  The hills were purple from all of the lupine.  It was lovely.  I love mountains and forests but I especially love hiking through colorful meadows.  After leaving the Summit Trail I marched up the Angel’s Staircase which is over a mile of fairly steep switchbacks.  It ended up being easy going.  I definitely had my hiking legs back!  The last third of the hike I was chased by a bee so I moved pretty quickly to keep away from it.  Luckily, no sting!

After setting up camp at Cooney Lake, I chatted with a hiking club from Seattle.  They were quite surprised to see a ranger.  I left them to enjoy their last night.  In the morning, I went around to clean up campsites and they left the biggest mess!  I was shocked because they were well educated about proper camping.  Guess you can never tell who will be respectful campers.

Day three brought me to Martin Lakes.  There was no trash so that was nice after the mess the day before.  I didn’t see many people this hitch and it’s been nice.  I like talking with folks but I enjoy my solitude.  At one point, I heard a sound like a person but it turned out to be only a magpie.  Whew!

Funny thing is that after a few days in the wilderness I am ready to return to civilization.

Rachel

[gdl_gallery title=”sawtooths-hitch” width=”130″ height=”130″ ]