PCT Trail Scenes #110

Mt. Rainier at sunrise.

"Wide Angle" relaxing in one of the few shelters found on the PCT

One of the more scenic burn areas the trail traverses through.

The New Frontier?

Many years ago, I was fortunate to study a semester at Walden Pond in Massachusetts. There were sixteen students, one professor, and an old hunting lodge that served as our dorm and living space. The semester was dedicated to reading the works of Henry David Thoreau and visiting some of the places he visited. Needless to say, it was the highlight of my time in college.

Today I was walking through the library in town and came across a book that had several of Thoreau's works in it. I remember reading his essay "Walking" in college and really enjoyed it. Since it was only about thirty pages, I started reading it again today and absolutely loved it. I only got through a few pages, and will read the rest when I get a chance.

One particular point Thoreau was making at one point in the essay is how, whenever he would go for walks, his internal compass would lead him to the southwest. Thoreau, at the time, understood that the frontier and wilderness was west, and he longed for these places. He seemed pleased by the fact that his wanderings often set him in that direction. "In Wildness is Preservation of the World," he stated.

Now that I am in California, and all too often feel bogged down by where and when I can explore, I am here to expand on Thoreau's famous quote. I hereby declare:

"In Space is the Preservation of the World!"

White Pass

First clear glimpse of Mt. Rainier, just before White Pass.

Indie hiking towards the store at White Pass where we did resupply, and met some of our hiking friends.

Indie and Hiker X. My delicious lunch is on the table.

The rain returns and so does the mud.

Mt. Rainier National Park Boundary.

These last two pictures were taken in the evening around the 25 mile mark for the day. Indie and I could not find a campsite because the trail ran along a steep ridge for several miles. We ended up hiking late into the evening and posted a 31 mile day, my second longest of the entire PCT.

PCT Trail Scenes #108

Looking towards Mt. Rainier

Hiking along the "knife's edge" in the Goat Rocks area...

PCT Trail Scenes #107

Indie hiking up the trail with Mt. Adams in the background.

Mt. Adams in the clouds.

Indie hiking through snowfield, with (I believe) Mt. St Helen's in background

Getting closer to the "knife's edge" in the Goat Rocks.

Indie looking towards Mt. Rainer (not pictured).

One of the most scenic days on the PCT, despite the poor lighting. Goat Rocks is a place I'd like to revisit one day...

PCT Trail Scenes #106

Hunters scanning the mountainside

Volcanic columnar basalt similar to what is found at Devil's Postpile in the Sierra.

Where is Indie?

I just wanted to begin posting the remaining pictures from the PCT that I have in my possession (Goat Rocks to Manning Park). This is the area just before the "Goat Rocks" in Washington.

1-10-11

One more nice day along the Pacific coast...