White Pass

Dave called in tonight, Saturday August 4th. He was just reaching the road that he would walk for a 1/2 mile into White Pass (small town of Naches, WA). He was looking forward to getting a room, hot shower, and a bed to sleep on, but he was worried about this being Labor Day weekend and all the rooms being taken. White Pass is at PCT mile 2303. Dave was happy to check off another hundred miles!

See the PCT Half Mile Map Washington Section H page 20.

http://www.pctmap.net/download/p/mapdl.html

Today's hike was one for the books. He hiked over "Great Rocks" at about 7,000 feet. This area is full of shale and loose rocks, and has very steep slopes on both sides of the trail. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, but the gusting winds and white out conditions (not snow - he was hiking in the clouds) made the trip very perilous. The wind knocked him off his feet at one point. There were several miles of this hiking, but Dave made it through to tell his story.

Getting into town, we hung up and I waited for his call once he was settled and knew where he'd be sleeping. Dave met up with Green Tortuga and is sharing a room with him tonight. Have a look at Greet Tortuga's web page: www.anotherlongwalk.com

Dave had picked up his resupply packages but didn't find any fuel. I've sent so many packages that I've lost track of where I've sent fuel. I thought I had sent some fuel to this location from California, but I'm thinking that Dave may have two fuels at his next location at Snoqulmie Pass on Wednesday. He thinks he has enough fuel to get him through the next couple of days.

Dave has 357 miles (approximately) to Manning Park in Canada. His goal is currently 25 miles per day. At this rate it will take him 14-15 days to reach Manning Park. If he travels 20 miles per day it will take him 17-18 days. The average puts him at getting into Manning Park on the 20th as previously estimated.

Weather.com is saying that he'll have cold but sunny days Sunday and Monday, with Rain on Tuesday for White Pass. The weather for Snoqulmie also shows rain for Wednesday, but sun for Thursday and showers Friday. Most of the rain days are only 30% chance of rain. These rain showers should not bother Dave too much - the thunder showers were what soaked him. He also has gotten some large garbage bags to doubly protect his gear. This coming week will be a challenge for Dave. Keep him in your prayers!

Dave ran into a hiker today who had passed Zero, Fire Marshall, and Redhead and reported them doing well. The guys hit their Spot tonight at 7:30. There were two Spots received tonight from them. It looks like they are still not camping together. It could be that Zero is having fun hiking alone again. They are camping near / around Lutz Lake which is at PCT mile 2290. You can check out PCT Half Mile map Washington Section H page 18. They should arrive at White Pass (town of Naches, WA) tomorrow early to mid day. Dave will be calling in the morning to find out where the guys are. They are all hoping to cross into Canada together or at least close together.

Trail Angel Jane