Let's Do Some Climbing Today!

Trail mile:  2310.9 - 2325.7.  
Trail miles traveled today: 14.8 miles
GPS miles traveled today:  15.5 miles

Elevation:  4819 - 5755

Laid in bed until 5:30. I was so comfy, I didn’t want to get up. I know the first couple of miles are climbing up to enter Mt Rainier NP. As I start walking the temp is a perfect 48 degrees. I hike (climb) comfortably without a jacket. I am glad to see birds this morning, although still more quiet than most trails. I see many animal tracks on the trail. There are lots of little critter tracks, but also elk prints and one black bear print. I was glad to see that the bear was going the other way. 

As I climb up a steep trail, I pass into Mt Rainier NP. About an hour later I look to my left and there is Mt Rainier, so close it looks as though I can reach out and touch it. Over the next couple of hours I see it from different vantage points. My phone camera is acting up so I have to take a panoramic view and other pics on portrait setting. I later turn my phone off and then back on and that resolves the issue. Wish I would have thought about it earlier. 

Syringa - the Idaho State Flower, spills over into Washington

Hello Mr Toad on the Trail

The little blue bubble is me.  I'm nearing the top of this climb.

As I round a corner, there is Mt Rainier in all her glory!

Getting closer

Closer still!  I feel I can almost reach our and touch her.

I see more hikers today, and talk to several. I eat lunch at a lake and visit with a couple of hikers as we all filter water. I didn't get their names.  I also meet the inquisitor. It is not difficult to see how he got his name as he asks me a million questions. He’s having foot problems, so I give him some leukotape and make a few other suggestions based on my past blister history. 

Beautiful Snow Lake

Lots of wild flowers.

Lovely lake.  What you can't see are the hordes of mosquitoes!

More wild flowers.

I cross a bridge over Hwy 12 and stop at a parking area for several trailheads. The parking area is just below the PCT, and I can get rid of my garbage. I also chat with many day-hikers and families hiking up to lakes to camp and fish. I eat dinner in the parking lot as I visit with people.  Back on the trail, two small boys about ages 4 and 6 regale me with their fish stories. What fun!  I finally decide that although I’ve decided to be more leisurely in WA, I better get hiking and quit visiting so much or I won't make my camp before dark. I make Sheep Lake, my planned destination with plenty of time to filter more water and set up camp well before dark. There are lots of campers here, so I walk back from the lake just a little and I have a little area all to myself. Everyone wants to be close to the lake. Today was lots more climbing than yesterday and my feet are feeling tight and tired. I think I’m due for my 4th pair of shoes. 

Foot bridge over Hwy 12.

A look at the bridge after I cross and head for the parking area.  This is the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Pit toilets and garbage cans so that I get rid of the garbage I'm carrying.

I camp at Sheep Lake.