This break has been a bit longer than I first imagined. In my mind, I would only be off for two to three weeks to let a bit of the snow melt before jumping on back at Walker Pass, the furthest I got. Time passed and I was seeing more photos from people brave, or at least determined enough to slog through the mountains of snow. The trail looked more like mountaineering than the hiking I had been doing since March 3rd. My imagination made the thought of experiencing the vast expanses of snow seem exciting but I knew the reality would be postholing misery.

So more time off and a road trip. Not wanting to flip flop like a fish trying to complete a thru hike, I looked into going southbound and restarting my hike. I decided to become of the smug southbound hikers.

So here I am on an Alaska flight to Seattle, spending a few days with family before starting at Hart's Pass to hike north to the border.

After a good weekend with the family, I was off towards Hart's Pass. Because I had two extra days, I took a detour to the Mt Baker Wilderness and that was a good call. The day was sunny and the views were spectacular in every direction. The border mountains to the north, Mt Shuksan to the east, and Mt Baker to the south.

A short day driving through North Cascades National Park brought me to Mazama, only 18 miles from my start point on the trail. While the bed at the Mazama Country Inn was terribly uncomfortable their breakfast made up for it.

BACK AT IT AGAIN!

Day 0 - Mile -30.6 - -6.4

A bumpy ride up the road to Hart's Pass through thick fog was my greeting to being a southbounder. Since I was hiking to the start, the miles to the border could be considered part of a warm-up hike. Blasting through 24 miles on the first day wasn’t too bad in my mind but my legs were there to remind me that I haven't been active in the two months since getting off trail. Anyway, the skies cleared up for the afternoon and I was able to enjoy views of glacier carved valleys on all sides. Made it to Hopkin's Lake for camp. Didn't get to enjoy the lake that much because the clouds of mosquitoes made me retreat into my tent.

Day 1 - Mile -6.4 - 14.7

Ah, an authentic Washington experience. Full day of overcast skies. Slack packed it to the border and back to the lake. I deserved some easy miles on the 4th of July, right? The only disappointment was that there wasnt a bald eagle circling above to mark this momentous occasion. The two hour nap put me a bit behind schedule for the day. The uphills were easier today. At least they were until I tried slogging up Rock Pass at the end. Getting back in trail shape is the most fun you can have on trail.

Day 2 - Mile 14.7 - 30.6

Last one out of camp this morning, as is tradition. Today was a bad day for miles. I was going slow, really slow, and my right foot is aching something feirce. Ran into a hiker that I met all the way back in March at Warner Springs. FIve miles from the campground, every step was grief but I know I'm being a big baby because I was in far worse shape a few days after starting from Campo but kept going. At Hart's Pass, I caught a ride down into Mazama to pick up a package and ship my snow gear home. Turns out you dont need it if the snow is gone. Staying at the Hiker Hut tonight to save some sweet cash for food.

So, my first three days back were pretty good. My legs held up more than my feet. I felt more inspired in these past few days than I did in the entirety of the desert section. The mountains are beautiful and even with clouds the views had a lot of character.

The wildflowers are beautiful and I was impressed with the variety that carpets the ground. Should have picked up the wildflower guide when I had the chance.

I'm happy that I have been better about asking strangers for their portraits. At the start in California, I was so timid about asking for a picture but now I'm asking a lot more (unless I'm super tired and want to be done for the day.) There are plenty of interesting looking people on trail. They all seem to have impressive beards. Maybe I find impressive beards interesting because I can't grow one.