Boots Hit The Dirt

Day 1
Monday, August 4th, 2014

5.5 PCT Trail Miles
Stevens Pass Trail Head to Lake Josephine

PCT mile 2476 to 2471 (+1mi down to lake)         6.5 Total Miles
1,200ft elevation gain; 630ft loss

Jim, Bob, Brad (l-r)

Well we are on our way Section Hiking from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie.  We planned for a short 1st day to ease into the trail and to enjoy Lake Josephine. Plus the bonus was that Bob (our ride to the trail head) could join us for the first night then hike back the next day.  Tomorrow will be a much longer day.

Pacific Crest Trail Emblem/Marker

   Today was a totally great day!  At the parking lot we meet 2 women from Wisconsin that are section hiking too.  I took a picture for them ("say cheese"), then filled out the permit, and headed on up the trail.

The Three Amigos

It wasn't too long before four guys passed us.  We ran into them again at the top of the ski area chair lifts.  Nice guys.  I took a picture for them too then had them take a picture for us.

 

Lake Susan Jane

We ran into our first thru hikers just after Lake Susan Jane.  Unfortunately, I didn't get their trail names.  I was so happy they were so willing to stop and chat for a bit.  I seem to have this impression that thru hikers won't want to stop and talk but keep moving.  Throughout this trip, that proved to be the rare case and not the rule.  The vast majority of them are very willing to stop and talk with you for a bit.  How nice.

Relaxing at Lake Josephine

The weather is just simply unbelievably nice.  In fact, and after years of hiking in the cascades of Washington, I have never said this before that I can remember; it was too hot!!! There, I said it.  The Gatorade was a savior for sure.  We got to the lake in about three hours and had the afternoon and evening to just relax and enjoy it.  The bugs are there, but manageable with head net and covering up arms and legs.  I hate the deet and try to minimize using it if at all possible.  We talked and laughed, ate and talked and laughed some more.  A solo hiker stopped by for a chat and a smoke of his pipe.  What a great first day; but get ready, because tomorrow the real hiking begins with 15 miles plus, Looking at Halfmiles elevation profile, there will be three passes to go over; one smaller one followed by two significantly bigger ones.  After discussing the plan for tomorrow, we hit the sleeping bags for much needed sleep.