A True Lollygag Start

Well I've been waiting out the snow and I'm not sorry I didn't try and start early. The first couple groups simply turned back after 6 and 11 miles or so. A later group ran into navigation, visibility and snow issues: one ended up with frostbite. I journaled a bit about this on my online trail journal, www.postholer.com/lollygag, (I think that's the address, it can be accessed here under "contact" in my profile).

It is my loose plan to use this site for digital pictures, the other site for journaling, but the online stuff is all new to me and it remains to be seen where is easier to post during the hike. My camera phone is all hooked up to google, so that may be easier.

Of course this is assuming that I actually get my but on the trail: I've been sandbagging my preparations but now the snow is nearly melted and my start date ridiculously late so it's nearly time to go, ready or not. Last year I couldn't wait to get out of the rat race. This year I'm dwelling on certain desirable vestiges of civilization that seem impossible to live without...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012281469_skykomish05m.html

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012281469_skykomish05m.html

Skykomish is the closest trail town to Stevens Pass, something like a 14 mile hitch, however many hikers forgo in lieu of Baring: home of Hiker Haven--the hostelesque home of PCT Trail Angels the Dinsmore's who spend months every year helping PCT hikers with showers, laundry, mail drops, internet access and a place to rest. Downtown Baring consists of the general store/post office/restaurant conveniently located across the street (Highway 2).

Travel | Feds warn Pacific Crest Trail hikers about crossing U.S.-Canada border | Seattle Times Newspaper

Travel | Feds warn Pacific Crest Trail hikers about crossing U.S.-Canada border | Seattle Times Newspaper





As one of the handful of hikers that goes the other way, I personally have and will start at Hart's Pass or the Northernmost point one can drive (just off trail near that giant lookout tower...), hike northbound, sign the register at the trail terminus which is on but not over the border, and begin South. This adds 30 miles+, but doubles your photographic opportunities and chances of the weather not being socked in Washington's most spectacular scenery.

Last year I was treated to amazing daily thundershowers. I saw the fire start by lighting west of Woody Pass, late last July. Of course the biggest reason for this year is that my camera was broken thru this section unbeknownst to me, as can happen when one is shooting film. Damn fiddly old Minox pocketcameras...had to give up after too much attrition and go with a heavier old Olympus for my Kodachrome. And new this year, my cameraphone as digital backup...at least until I've had it with gadgets and their entourage. To people who questioned my going without technology last year I submit that there is really not much cell reception on the trail anyway. That is to say on the Northernmost 850 miles, but I'm looking forward to forming an opinion on the 2/3 of the trail I've not yet done.

Last year like a dork, I toted all that food, this year I'll be very motivated to try my first cache; probably near Hart's Pass so if it goes awry I've a potential hitch into Mazama to the delightful store with the great deli and delicious demon coffee.

Civilized Canada has a simple permit process in place to enter via the PCT. It is free but requires some advance planning; scanned copies of passport, drivers license and birth certificate, travel itinerary, probing questions about inadmissibility... Last year I got one just in case I had to enter due to emergency. Note that it is worthwhile to get a certified copy of your birth certificate well before it's needed, as (at least in Washington) they are notoriously riddled with typos that take time to be corrected.

ps still in preplanning waiting out snow, some early hikers turned back, one skipped an amazing albeit snow covered section, opting instead for clear roadwalk but missing one of my favorite sections thru Granite and Cuthroat Pass--of course I wouldn't want to hike it in the snow, but that's why I'm waiting to battle it out with the blackflies. a large sounding party left late June, the one guys Spot puts him past Stekekin and sadly I suspect they skipped this jewel of a trailtown. Either that or they are making killer time...so looking forward to their report...

Christopher Hinton - Black fly [1991]