@noellejeanseward: ↟ Backpacking in the North Cascades, WA: Days 3-5 ↟ ••• Both Grace’s and my knees were mad swollen with the daily descents we’ve been pushing in this terrain. Day 3 brought another 7K feet down. By the time we made it into our final valley, trail ridden with blowdowns, we decided trail run the final miles to camp. Head torches, EDM, Full packs: ON. On day 4, we crossed Milk Creek, and the only way I can describe that experience is that it felt like crossing into fall. The smell changed. The trail was suddenly lined with fresh fallen leaves. Even the air felt, different. Mossy trees seemed to cascade out of the mountain side as we ascended out of the valley. I listened to Anna Kendrick’s interview on the @armchairexppod, which has probably moved into place for my all time favorite podcast episode. Shortly after crossing the Suiattle River, we met a trail youth called Jimmy ripping a bong on the side of the path. Skinny fella with that trail worn look in his eyes. I know a thru hiker when I see one. He said he’d been out here over 6 months now, and he had clearly not seen another person in some time. I hiked with him for a bit later in the day - what a guy, Jimmy. In the afternoon, I ran through the fall crested trail, full pack bounding, not caring about the aches in my knees and feet. It’s like the views around me spiked my adrenaline and endorphins all at once, causing this absolute elation. The only solution was to frolic. And so I did. On the fifth day, we hiked the final 5 miles to High Bridge where we would take the shuttle to the Stehkein. I had been dreaming about the Stehekin bakery for DAYS. The snickerdoodles did not disappoint. ••• This is one of my favorite sections of the PCT. I was glad to revisit parts the piece of this section I had already done and even gladder to fill in the miles that were not available during my 2024 PCT thru hike. If you’re planning a PCT section or thru hike or just generally want access to all of my backpacking and wilderness knowledge in one place, @lexatreks and I co authored a 198 page illustrated resource to get you on trail — link in bio!! ••• #pct #pacificcresttrail #backpacking #fall #wa

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