The "Sisters in Stehekin!"

 Last Leg – Stehekin “the way through” to Canada, mile 2574

Stehekin is truly the end of the earth with the only way in by boat or float plane (or along the PCT trail of course) and no cell reception or telephone access.  The name translates from its Native American roots as “the way through”.

One automobile, plane, taxi, bus, and boat ride later Chief’s sisters (Shauna and Terri) arrived in Stehekin to meet up with and to cheer him on for his last push into Canada (that would be us since we are writing this portion of the blog).   Yes that’s right; Kevin is on the last leg of his journey.  Although bad weather caused Kevin to hole up in Baring and held him back from his original destination date, Shauna quickly booked an extra night in Stehekin to increase the odds of being there when Kevin arrived. This gave us two days in Stehekin to socialize and play before Kevin arrived and that we did. As you can see from the pictures it was an amazingly beautiful place to spend an extra day in, so suffering is not on our menu….

We met almost everyone staying or working in Stehekin including many of the incoming PCT hikers.  With very few “hot spots” (the Bakery, the Garden, the Ranch and the Lodge), everywhere we went someone knew us. Like the PCT hikers that knew us as Chief’s sisters, friends we met at the Lodge (Diane and Merrill from Portland), a family we meet at our hotel back in Chalon, groups traveling on the Shuttle back and forth from the Ranch for dinner, and just friendly people we meet along the walks to the “The Stehekin Pastry Co.” also known as the Bakery.

Really, is everyone in Washington as nice and friendly as the people we met on our Trip? Truly, the people who visit this corner of the world are amazing. Thank you!

 While we were there we were able to witness the process of the PCT hikers looking for the next meal at the restaurant, then grabbing a bite at the bakery and back to the dinner meal.  The goal is to get as much home-cooked/prepared food in you before you go back on the trail. Then you do laundry, unpack, pick up your “box” at the post office, repack and in there somewhere take a shower. As Maureen has shared with you, this group of hikers has a different view on life for five months and they come from all walks of life.

Chief hiked 27 miles on his last day to Stehekin, literally “hauling ass” to arrive by the 10^th. From the moment we met him on the shuttle he began telling trail stories which could only be told by him in the way that he does tell those great stories. Kevin, when did you become this master storyteller? Everyone on the shuttle was transfixed.  Everyone was so gracious and genuinely impressed that the two sisters had travelled so far to connect up with their wayward brother on this amazing journey of his. By the mere fact that we had been waiting for two days in anticipation of his arrival and had come so far to see him and that he was so close to finishing, Kevin achieved RockStar status in the Stehekin Valley. So on our last day we watched from the retreating boat as he graced his fans with his presence leaning comfortably against the wooden railing and telling I am sure another one of his marvelous stories.

You go Kevin (Chief), you are amazing...and in some ways you are ending one journey and beginning another.

Love,

Shauna and Terri!

Leaving Chelan and heading to Stehekin

The only other way to get to Stehekin....

Lady of the Lake II arriving in Stehekin

Room #9..our room..before Kevin....on the bottom corner...

Lake Chelan

Another view of Lake Chelan

Just "freshly" picked up from the trail..

All three Wallaces......

PCTers Scabby and T-bag

Kevin reuniting with Kiddo and her boyfriend Eric.

Terri and the Shuttle in front of the Garden.

The 2 mile walk from Stehekin to the Pastry Company

The Garden

The Garden...Carl the Gardener has been there for 40 years....

Flowers in the Garden..

The Stehekin Post Office box with the boxes...

Oh! Getting so close!!!

Glacier Peak, Washington, Section K, mile 2540

my Bible for the last 5 months

About 30 miles to go before he gets to Stehekin, where his lovely sisters await his arrival!  Terri and Shauna did the big trip to Stehekin, coming in on the ferry from Chalon. They are so excited about seeing their brother and giving him lots of "family Love!"  From there, its a matter of 5 walking days to the North Monument of the Pacific Crest Trail in Manning Park, Canada!
Where I will be waiting with OPEN ARMS!!! 



The weather in Washington continues to be just what was expected.  RAIN.  Nonstop rain.  Actually it did stop for one day when he was doing a zero to dry out at Skykomish.  From Skykomish, you have to hitchhike to the Dinsmore's (trail angels, extrodannaire!!).  Kevin arrived just in time for enough clear weather to dry everything out....and then start all over again.  The plan was to stay for only one day and get back on the trail, but Mother Nature had other plans.  Everyone that was there, had to stay put.  They watched movies and ate LOTS of food at the little local restaurant/bar.

Drying out at the Dinsmore's

I was able to actually "talk" to him as they had cell coverage.  Was nice.  I can't imagine being wet every single day, really wet.  Check out this link.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Rare-summertime-Flood-Watch-issued-for-all-of-Western-Washington-222424681.html

Yep!  That was just lovely.  So back on the trail after a couple of crazy weather nights and back to the constant downpour, sometimes steady, sometimes really hard rain, where you just have to call it quits and set up the tent.  Since you really can't cook in the tent, it's cold instant mashed potatoes for the evening.  Yum?

some interesting stats to date!

• NO more cooking, dehydrating and sealing resupplies! Last boxes sent to Stehekin
• Last pair of shoes bought and sent....total=7 pairs of shoes
• Last batch of "popular" PCT/Cronshaw honey bars baked - well, except that the LP Hotshots Love them also.
• No more drying fruit, jerkey, meals...the big Xcalibur dehydrater is going into storage
• No more lithium batteries, my god, I should have bought stock in those
• No more weekly Post Office trips
• and hopefully, no more REI visits to purchase fuel, new socks, ShotBlocks, and ProBars...man, can't wait to see our dividend next year!!!
• Counting down the sleepless nights where I wonder where he is and where he'll be and how he is?

Thanks for all your well wishes and continued support.  Next blog is coming from "the Sisters in Stehekin!"

I'm off to Canada next Sunday, September 15!  Pretty excited and nervous.  Pretty proud, to say the least, of my Walking Man.

Chief's wife

Border Fever - 260 miles to GO

Summit Inn, Snoqualamie, WA mile 2401

Chief at Goat Rocks

Yay.  He made it to Snoqualamie.  I love that town name.  So the day he rolled into the Summit Inn to pick up his resupply, it finally stopped raining.  Time enough to get a room in the Inn and set up his house to dry out.  First it went on the patio, then the deck, then the bathroom and finally the parking lot.
Kevin chose to stay at the Inn because it was directly off of the trail and the Trail Angel (the MOSTEL) was about 4 miles away.  Easy decision at that point in time!  It was so nice to actually talk on the phone with him.  He can really talk these days...I think the solitude has begun to get to him.  My iPhone clocked him in at 38 minutes on our last phone call.  That's more than he has ever talked on the phone to me in one setting in the last 30 years!  It was nice.

So other than the crappy weather, it's been a tug to the Finale.  I've been following other thru hikers blogs that I have come to know through Chief and through my Mobile Trail Angel trip.  They are ALL feeling the same way.  Negative, want to QUIT, want to come home, want to get off of the trail, and mostly want to FINISH.  All of this in the same thought process...bit mind blowing to say the least.  I keep reassuring him that in just a few weeks, this will all be DONE.  Then it's back home and all that will remain of this incredible journey and trail is his MEMORIES.  Keep pulling Canada.  Keep pulling.

Fan Mail!!!!  A few days ago, one of the other thru's, BeeRad, saw Chief on the trail and announced that he had MAIL!  What?  Yah, apparently there was a letter from his wife on a PCT marker?  "Not my wife, say's Chief,", well, "Then you have FAN MAIL!," says BeeRad.  Allison, I have never met you, but this was the BEST ever.  Really encouraged him and I sure hope you are continuing to follow his blog, because you made a pretty crappy day into a great day for my husband.  THANK you so much.  And I'm sure glad that Dan and Denise set you up with the blogspot.

The Aardvark .... lots of good food coming out of a trailer in Snoqualamie. Kara, the woman that runs the "mostel" also runs the Aardvark.  This is true hiker hang-out and really good food.  Most of us, actually, ALL of us, are super hungry again.  Can't get enough food.  My first night at the Aardvark I had 3 dinners, all delicious.  Hung out with my guys and chatted about trail gossip.  The who's and where's of where everyone is at. Who's injured, who had to go home, have you seen ??? (trail gossip).  He highly recommends the chicken curry (which by the way would get big rolling eyes if I made that at home?)











So the Chief hits the trail tomorrow morning.  Off to Skykomish (another very cool town name).  There he will stay at the Dinsmore's Hiker Haven.  Some very cool Trail Angels that are the last of the bunch.   From there, it's off to Stehekin, where he hopes to see his sister's, who have been planning this trip from the beginning.  Unfortunately, with the knee issue and the 2 zero days needed, he may miss them.  So sad, but that's the story of this trail.  Can't really plan and pin any specific time and date out.

Following are some pictures that Kevin took along his Washington route.  Enjoy.  and thanks SO much Alison!!!!

That's Kevin on the ledge

Lovely Washington weather

more of Goat Rocks

postholing through the snow fields

KIDDO...what a girl

Home

Epic campsite and weather cleared up 

sometimes you just have to sleep where you can

my view from the tent

Gerilyn and Rick...for you.  It was a long reach across a scary Columbia River!

Till next time,

Chief's wife

Photo's of Washington

almost to Snoqualamie!  mile 2401

some PCT factoids.....just some of the things that I marvel at what Chief has accomplished to date!

• 2401 walking miles, 262 to go
• California: 1699 miles 
• Oregon:  457 miles
• Washington: to complete will be 500 miles 
• 60 mountain passes
• 19 canyons
• 1000 + lakes
• 3 National monuments
• 7 National parks
• 24 National forests
• 33 Federal Wildernesses

EPIC. 

Since Kevin is not the best photographer, I have borrowed some of Dora's pics, as she was hiking with him through most of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.  I hope you enjoy, she's a good photographer and a very sweet young lady.  I was able to meet her quite often during my Mobile Trail Angel trip through Northern California.   Enjoy.

Rain keeps coming.  Knee holding up.
Chief's wife

Mt. Adams

Storm coming..AGAIN

Nice little creeks

Home Sweet Home.  Somewhere over the Rainbow.

Lodgepole, Maverick, can't remember?, Chief

Goat Rocks

Rocky trail

Beautiful Flowers

Helloooo PCT

Thank you Brother Kozen!

White Pass, WA - mile 2303
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

yep,,,that's right Dr. Seuss, only 365 miles to go!

Since I began last week's "downer" blog with a Buddist qoute of extreme encouragement, I figured I might as well give you another more "encouraging" quote this week.  Never know, this qoute thing could really take off for me.

Once again, I am in charge of sharing info this week.  The good news, no, GREAT news, is that Chief is BACK on the trail.  Yay!  The few days of complete NIRVANA at the Trout Lake Abbey did wonders for him, both physically and mentally.  Brother Kozen dropped him off at the trail head with best of wishes for a safe journey onward to Canada.  After 2 1/2 days of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, meditation, soaking, and eating organic eggs and fresh greens from the beautiful gardens...Kevin felt he was ready to get back on the trail.  Even more exciting was that within about 20 minutes he met up with some of his favorite hikers, Lodgepole and Maverick (father-son team).  We last said our goodbye's to them at Timberline Lodge.  This boosted his confidence as he and Lodgepole (same age and same injuries) made a pact to get through the Goat Rocks together.  Just what both of them needed.  Most of the time on the trail, you don't ever walk together.  Sometimes there may be a handful of hikers within a 10 mile section that might all meet up at lunch or camp in the same area at night.  But, in this case, the two of them decided to stick together.  I couldn't ask for a better companion than Lodgepole.  Such a very sweet man.  This also gave Maverick (son - same age as Shane) the opportunity to walk on with the small group of "20-somethings."  They decided to take a little detour and go off the trail to peak Old Snowy Mtn.  They returned with ice in their beards and very enthusiastic, as that age tends to be!

The next 3 days after leaving the Abbey was spent traveling to White Pass.  This trail goes primarily through the Goat Rocks Wilderness, which by all accounts, is as beautiful as the Sierra's.  High mountain passes, snow covered peaks, abundant wildflowers and lots and lots of tallis rock trail.  Not such a good combo for a poor knee!  But, he did it and arrived at White Pass on Monday afternoon feeling quite confident that he would be able to get through to Canada.  The knee held out ok, still swollen a bit at night, but nothing advil and elevation doesn't take care of. Wish I had some pictures to share with you, but unfortunately, the focus has been on the knee and not pics.  The one's that he said he took, have not come my way yet.

The weather has been just as promised by the PCT for the Washington Section......RAIN!  Everyday, everyday just rain.  One spends a lot of time drying things out when the rain stops. But, it's Washington.  Every section has it's high and low points! Resupply box was at White Pass with a new shirt and boy oh boy!, did he ever get grief about that.  Apparently, "hiker trash" do not get new shirts.  No one told me about that.  I figured after 2300 miles in that same shirt, laundry could no longer do justice...a new shirt was called for.

So, with a new shirt and a knee that should hold up...onward to CANADA we go.  Take care my Walking Man, you're doing it!!!!

Chief and Lodgepole at Timberline

Chief's wife

little side note..there is a thru-hiker named Postholer.com.  He does a very cool thing where he scans all the logs and puts them on his website 

http://postholer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2494#p7154

It was fun seeing "Chiefs" logs and others that we have been wondering about their whereabouts.  You only know who is ahead of you and begin to hope that other's you've gotten to know are still heading for Canada and haven't had to leave the trail.  I was able to tell Kevin that many of his favorites are right behind him!  Thanks Postholer, cool website.  Really like it.

The Sound of Music

Trout Lake Abby, mile 2237.5

Zen Buddist Saying:

“Miraculous powers and marvelous activities are
drawing water and hewing wood!” — P'ang-yun

So, I got that Zen Buddist saying right off the web page for the Trout Lake Abby. Unfortunately, and fortunately, Kevin is staying there for a few days.  For the past 2 days, his right knee has been really bothering him, with swelling and pain as he continues to pound through the tallis rock trails of Washington.  He is about to enter the Goat's Pass Wilderness which descends into White Pass where his next resupply awaits him (mile 2303).  He wasn't too concerned at first, as he really didn't remember having a specific "injury", but the swelling has continued and the pain is not subsiding too much on the challenging trails.  He did leave Cascade Locks with an unusually heavy load as he wasn't planning a resupply for 7 days.  Along with the heavy load, he put in some big downhill miles, with lots of pounding and uneven footing. I guess after 2200 miles, one's knees do get a bit battered, especially 55 year old knees!  

Coming to a junction in the trail, he spotted "Krinkles" getting back on the trail.  She had a ride from Trout Lake where she had spent a couple of zero days and did a resupply.  Talking with her, he decided it would be best to catch a ride down to Trout lake and reevaluate his knee.  The "brother" that picked him up was from the Trout Lake Abby.  So that's where he went.  When I talk to Kevin about what's happening there, it makes me think of the Sound of Music, atleast that's what I want to believe it's like!  Here some lovely man picks up my husband, gives him acupuncture, chinese herbal rubs, meditation, and wraps his knee. (Kevin did take some Naprocin also!!!  a little bit of Western medicine mixed with some Chinese medicine never hurt anyone?) Apparently, this brother also was a nurse in his other life.  Along with Kevin, they both are feeling that the knee is not needing immediate medical attention.  So 2 days of rest, more acupuncture, more Chinese herbal rubs, more elevation, compression and soaking.....we shall see.  What we all need is lots of POSITIVE thinking. 

Since we have a couple of "expert" knee kids, Shane spent quite a bit of time talking to his dad.  Kevin was really down and out when I first spoke with him, but emotionally he is trying to cheer up and do what he has control over right now.  That's to just REST the knee.  Shane definitely has a way of getting through these bad times with the right "mind set." Lord knows he has had his share of knee setbacks. Let's hope that transfers to his dad.

Take a look at their website if you have a moment. It's pretty cool.  The valley that surrounds Trout Lake is a huge organic farm.  Chickens are running around and good food is abundandt.  What more can you ask for during some much needed rehab?  

Keep good thoughts going Chief's way.  We will keep you all updated in the next few days.  

   

http://www.tlabbey.com


Chief's wife

The 15000 calorie day!

Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon, mile 2107

Hello from Chief. Yes that is not a typo in my title!  Truly ate 15000 calories if not more. In one day!

After leaving Big Lake (Aug 9) I did 29 miles but I lost the race trying to get to Slate lake before the Big Nasty. Craziest storm. Started raining, started hailing, started thunder, more hail, big lightening bolts. Decided to stop in a little grove of trees but just setting up tent was a sopping mess and in less than 5 minutes all of my equipment was wet. Used my camp towel to mop my tent floor and really got into mopping up the floor. Seemed to calm my nerves as the thunder and lightening kept up at a steady pace.  So there I was mopping and eating my M&M's. Weird. But, it did get me through the Big Nasty. Thunder and lightening was so intense. I was so scared that I went beyond being scared and figured that was how I would end my days. As everything on the trail, it too passed, and I continued walking. Stumbled into Slate lake late that evening at 8:30. The next day I started walking a bit later to allow my equipment.  Passed BeeMan at about mile 2035. Decided to only walk 17 miles to Brighten Bush campground because it had a shelter as the weather was still questionable. On a normal day Brighten would not be something spectacular. But on that specific day it was amazing how a skanky campground can be a wonderful compared to the night before with the storm. 

Early start next morning as the rain showers tend to pick up in the afternoon. Stopped at Ollalie lake. Pathetic store and owner was not very nice. Left. Walked 27 miles to Warm springs river. Crowded with NOBO's (north bounders), SOBO's (south bounders) and section hikers. Crowded with 12 people. Forests are so dense that it creeps me out because it was claustrophobic.  At 5:30 am I heard, what I thought were wolves, but apparently Oregon coyotes howl and bark like wolves.  It was a very strange feeling in that thick dense forest. Didn't like it at all. Creepy.  

To reward myself the next day I stopped at Timothy lake after only 11 miles. Found a campsite with a hammock. Read my book and swam in the lake. Remembering when we were here with the kids many years ago. Did my laundry by swimming with my clothes on. Mark Twain and I swung in the hammock all day. Was just what I needed, but did feel guilty. Next day walked the 22 miles to the grove just above the Lodge.  Literally I could look down into the bar.  Next day I checked in to my 15000 calorie day. Started with a full 3 hours at the breakfast buffet then moved right into the lunch buffet and after a brief digestion period, a huge pork loin dinner at the bar. Washing it all down with local brews. Checked into my room, swam in the pool and sat in the jacuzzi below Mt Hood. Was a dream. Maureen would be here tomorrow. Getting really excited. 

Right now I have a level of apprehension of going into Washington. The weather, the difficult trail and the unknown is making me really nervous. I think because I am so close and walking is physically demanding. Every day it seems to drain your soul and to think what you have to do the next day. Most of the thru hikers are feeling this same apprehension at this point in the trail. It is just downright hard. Did talk with some SOBO's that encouraged me with some upcoming trail angels.  On one level it is cool to think I am getting close, but on another level, 550 more miles seems huge. 

My sensory awareness has changed. I hear so many forest noises. I taste the difference between water from a lake, a stream, a spring and city water. City water has a strong chlorine taste. Smells are also heightened. Through hikers smell differently. Some may call it "gamey."  We don't notice the smell of each other but when we come to trail heads where there may be hikers we notice the difference. I fact one day Cowboy exclaimed,"I smell day hikers!" He was so right. 

Leaving tomorrow for my last big push to the Washington border. Cascade Locks is 48 miles. Need to cross the Bridge of the Gods into Washington state. That is a bit scary. Very narrow. Heard it is a big obstacle for many hikers.  I will not be taking video! Have met so many section hikers in the last few days. Oregon is the place for sections hikers as the trails are nice, resupply spots are easily accessible, and trail towns are right there!  

Timberline lodge has been all I hoped for and more. Especially the breakfast and lunch all you can eat buffet. Having Maureen here is more than wonderful. The staff is great and treat all the hikers as they are "guests."  Example 1.  ERIKA. Erika works at the front desk. I was asking her about a place I might get propane for my stove as my resupply propane was a disaster. She called around and really couldn't find anything except for a small town about 30 minutes away. She left work, picked up the propane and delivered it to me the next morning when she started her shift. I immediately explained  that she was now an official Trail Angel!  She was happy to help. 

Maureen and I have been seeing thru's from miles past and reuniting with them. Swapping trail gossip, who's ahead?, who's behind?, who's left the trail, etc. It is so exciting when you get to see a familiar face from miles past and know they are still with the trail and "doing it man!"  (Straight from Texas Poo!)

Next blog. Washington state!

Chief