Trailhead to somewhere along the trail

Today we begin our 28-mile hike along the Elkhorn Crest Trail. We hitched a ride up the long, very windy and somewhat challenging road to the trailhead with one of Rick’s friends in Haines OR, Shane. We truly appreciated the ride so that when we finished our hike we didn’t have to circle back to pick up the vehicle.

Shane took the obligatory group photo and we were off!

Up the mountain we go, and it is slow going. At least on my part. The elevation was already 6,000 feet and we live at 500 feet. I’m hoping that I will acclimate soon!

The day is clear and blue skies are abundant. The scenery is amazing. Mountains in the distance, trees and uninhabited land as far as you can see. We hike our way up the mountain trail stopping to catch our breath occasionally, and finally we are at the Twin Lakes trailhead. We decided before the trip to skip this lake and find a camp spot further along the trail. Another trip to the Twins might be in the future… We spotted several mountain goats near the lakes. Grazing in the meadows near the lakes. Amazing animals!

We kept hiking. The trail was not an easy one this day. The terrain usually consisted of a steep rocky slope, the trail we walked on, and then a steep rocky slope below. You did not take your eyes off the trail. We occasionally stopped to admire the beauty around us. It felt too easy to trip on a rock… and that would not be a good result!

By the late afternoon we had only walked an additional 3.5 miles to find a camp spot on the trail. It had been a long day, we climbed a lot and we’re not used to the elevation. No one was too hungry but we’re so ready to lay down and rest.

The terrain was starting to change and we were able to find a spot with room for two tents that wasn’t hazardous. Yay and yay!

We were all so exhausted that we napped for a while before dinner. Tracie and I stayed up to see the stars. Rick went to bed. What a beautiful sky with a nearly full moon.

The day was filled with beauty, challenges, and breathtaking scenery. We were careful and supportive of each other and felt a real sense of accomplishment when the day was over. This trail is not for the faint of heart but it has been so worth it.

I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

#Covidgetaway