9/29/16. Mile 2609 to 2629. “Harts pass”
Exciting day today because I am meeting my parents and Lizzy!
Hawkeye and I rolled in to Harts Pass campground late morning and were greeted by Toast, a woman who had hiked the trail previously and was providing some trail magic (the most epic waffles and chocolate). We killed a good amount of time, fending off chipmunks from ripping through our packs... it doesn't have any holes in it yet, so we're sure as hell not getting any in the final days!
After a bit Hawkeye pushed on, needing to put a big day in so that he can finish on time to grab the 1AM bus out of Manning Park. We had a cheerful good bye... and then he was gone. It's extremely weird to just separate after so many days together, especially when we are within spitting distance of Canada. It was an absolute pleasure to share this journey with Hawkeye. He provided great conversation across so many topics. I think he is now a US politics specialist and will forever be hooked on podcasts:)
The red van crew arrived a bit later and it was so great to see everyone. I went in to overdrive and sorted out gear/food for the next couple of days. As badly as I wanted to sit and relax, a weather system was headed our way and I wanted to be as close to Canada as possible when it hit. I scarfed a veggie sub and caught up for a half hour before Liz donned her amazing pink on pink Cascadias and we set off!
We were jazzed for obvious reasons as we gallopped along. We ran in to a park ranger about an hour before dusk and he said, "Man! you're the first people i've seen today that look like they are having a good time!". A little sad but true, most people at this point are grinding out huge days and have been for a couple months. We are tired.
