Journey Day 174 | PCT Day 174

Deepening snow obscured the trail, along with freezing temperatures complicating the final stretch into Canada.

10/7/85

Hike out early, cold and wet. Hike up to Rainy Pass in track shoes I’ve worn since 40 miles before Stehekin. Change to boots after walking highway to trailhead. Immediately we climb. Jeff lost until Bensen Creek Camp.

Awesome peaks as we head into the Northern Cascades for real. Snow deepens. Follow Jeff tread up to Cutthroat Pass, where Keith and I try to take a break in below-freezing temperatures.

A bit unnerved, we hike on across ridges, etc. The excitement now replaced by uneasiness with weather, desire to finish. Tough ups and downs.

Catch Keith at Willis Camp just before dark. Eat, crash to escape the cold.