Journey Day 161 | PCT Day 161

Extreme weather left ridges in haze.

9/24/85

Up early, I hike out. More clearcuts, some Rainier views. See another small bear in rare forested area. Mistake hilltop towers for weather station. After tour, I hike down road. Then bushwack. Loggers suggest route back. Sweat and strain later, I’m back at the trail. But Jeff has passed, Keith’s boot print down road. Hike hard fruitlessly to catch Jeff, who’s just ahead according to day hikers. After a long break, push rest of the day to Mirror Lake, through more sad logging scars, “natural abortions.” Nice spot under the stars.