Chinook to Snoqualmie

Libby for Bouncer again. By special request.

We left off at Midway with Bouncer ready to get into Goat Rocks Wilderness.  The crossing of the knife-edge crest went smoothly and Bouncer made it to White Pass a day ahead of our scheduled meeting so he kept on going and made it to Chinook Pass.  The weather had started to change and it was very cold.  The fall colors were very vivid and there were lots of elk hunters in the area.  One group of horsemen coming out with their trophy.
We met Bouncer coming out in the dark- always a relief to see him again.  We drove to a lower elevation to camp so that we could be warmer.  The next day we went into Yakima for boots anticipating possible snow. Bouncer had a companion on his hike on Saturday and we were planning to meet up again on Monday at Tacoma Pass which is accessed from the Snoquolmie Pass area and involves a 12 mile drive up gravel roads.  Thankfully, there were signs to Tacoma Pass and the road was in good shape.
We spent our free day on the Cle Elum River and were very interested to see the wild salmon that had gathered in the river to spawn- they had journeyed up the Columbia past Portland, the Tri-cities, into the Yakima River where they spent the summer and then into the Cle Elum river for their last hurrah.
We waited at Tacoma Pass and saw Gonzo go past.  We also rescued an injured section hiker who needed a ride back to his truck.  He had hurt his leg and was in quite a bit of pain.
Bouncer came down the ridge hoping we had waited for him- so he was very happy to see us.  We gave him his resupply and cooked a nice steak dinner for him - and then we left to do our last farmer's market and have our retirement party.

Bouncer made it into Snoquolmie Pass and was hiking out of there on the way to Steven's Pass by that Wednesday- October 10th.  The weather still holding but rain expected on Friday.

Washington week in review.

Libby posting for Bouncer again.

Bouncer has hiked from the river to the big lava bed and through Indian Heaven.  The forest fire is still burning  so the Mt. Adams wilderness section is roped off and the trail picks up again at Potato Hill- then on to Midway and into the Goat Rocks wilderness.  Maks' favorite place to hike and see wildlife.

We met at Panther Creek and camped there for the night. Then Bouncer set off for the big lava bed and Crest Camp.  We drove to Crest Camp, set up camp and hiked south to meet him.  Ran into Storytime on the trail.

the vine maple are turning red

Bouncer and bratwurst

Later, as we were having a meal, Gonzo showed up and joined us.

We went home to catch a High School football game as well as a soccer game next morning.  Then we set off again for Washington and met up with Bouncer on the 88 road.   In the morning he hiked out to the 23 road and the closed trail. Hee Haw had left the carton of coke for the hikers and firefighters. The air was very smokey.

making oatmeal packs

two billy goats

Bouncer decided to take a nero at Tahklakh Lake- a beautiful place that holds some special memories for him.  He listened to football games and got some rest.

up into Midway Meadows

In the morning we went to Potato Hill. The smoke was really bad and the sun rose a bright red- a forest fire sun.  Bouncer set off for White Pass- but not before we intercepted him one last time at Midway Meadows.
See you later Bouncer. 

Over Mt. Hood and out of Oregon

Libby posting for Bouncer again.

The past two weeks have been busy as the Mt. Hood area is the family playground- so Maks and Libby took every opportunity to drive over to see Bouncer.
On Monday, Sept. 17th Bouncer called from the trail after his trek through the Mt. Jefferson wilderness.

We met at Ollalie Lake- beautiful as always - and ran into the gang:  the Canadians with their new dog, Neon and Onna Move as well as Special Delivery.  Bouncer showed up, had a brief visit with fellow hikers and we went to Ollalie Meadows to camp. The elk were bugling and we heard some head-butting.  Fall is in the air.

Next morning we drove Bouncer back to the PCT.   We planned to meet again on Thursday at Little Crater Lake.
By Thursday Bouncer was at Frog Lake on Hwy. 26.  He wanted a rest day as his ankle was hinting at possible trouble.  We went to Little Crater Lake for a good rest.  Maks put the paper plate invite on the PCT sign and pretty soon I'm Fine came in for a visit.  We were having pizza for dinner so he shared a slice and then some cheesecake before leaving to put in a few extra miles.

Next day we went back to Frog Lake and Bouncer called to tell us of the beautiful mushroom growing next to the trail.  A nice chicken-of -the -woods just getting started.

We met again at the crossing of Hwy 35. Then he went off up the trail to Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge.   Next day enjoyed the company of a guest hiker.

Monica say "I smell socks"

On Sunday the family came in to Lost Lake for a visit with brother and uncle.  Had some great fishing as well as good food.

Back to Lolo Pass to spend the night before hitting the trail again.
Then a 30 miler to make up for the day off.  And Bouncer is hiking the PCT so he took the Benson Plateau and not the Eagle Creek alternate.
Maks and I met the Canadians just getting ready to cross Bridge of the Gods into Washington.  Also spent time with Special Delivery as he was stuck for a few days waiting for a new backpack to arrive.

Bouncer headed off into Washington- only one more state to go. And the weather still sunny with another week to go in September.