Day 10: Two Passes- Geln and Baxter

According to the experts Yogi and Company we were advised to cross Glen Pass after 10am. It took us all of 2 seconds to agree with this thinking as memories of Forrester Pass flashed in our minds. No more crazy snow adventures please! Thus at 9:30, a time usually reserved for a “second breakfast,” we started to pack up camp.

Just as we were leaving, a ranger came over and informed us that a helicopter would be landing about 50 meters from our campsite. She strongly suggested we move 100 meters further into the woods so as to avoid the windstorm that was going to take place in less than 30 minutes. Of course we agreed to relocate, but not without inquiring why a helicopter was landing. “Ah,” she said, “a bear has been breaking into the ranger station.” As she said these last 3 words her hand pointed to a cabin just 25 meters away from our camp. “The bear specialist is leaving today.” I of course I turned towards Replay with horror in my eyes. She of course met my expression with a “darn we didn’t’ see the bear even though we were so close” smile. Thankfully it was broad daylight and not the “witching hour” for bears.

After the helicopter production, which was rather interesting to witness, we headed back up the 1 mile climb to the PCT. We had already seen the road ahead so for the next hour our legs retraced the steps from yesterday. Even though this was the second time around my legs just would not go. There was no “finding the groove this morning.” When we eventually made it to the top after what seemed like one too many steps I looked down the North side of the pass with dread. The entire North side was a huge snowfield. We zigged and zagged our way down the mountain making sure to place our feet in the upper set of tracks. When appropriate we took every opportunity to glissade to safety. The only problem with this quick way down the mountain was that I was wearing shorts and refused to put on pants. The snow was pretty soft and my bulldozing technique only left my backside in danger- of being WET! Ah thank you 1980 for the invention of spandex. What a marvelous thing!

A fine mist was raining down on us as we left the snow and wound our way around the banks of Rae Lake's islands. My legs were still incredibly slow and the bugs were in full force.
Woods Creek, only a mere 10 miles away from our starting point and bug free, was the perfect spot for an early evening dinner. A consultation of the map told us we only had 3.5 miles to Sawmill Creek. This was the last reliable water source for a long while so we agreed that even though this was a easy mile day we would make camp there.

I don’t know if it was the food that rejuvenated my legs or the beauty of the waterfall whose crystal clear water rushed past us as we climbed. The uphill climb just wasn’t that bad. The distraction of the water crashing over fallen trees, sweeping branches down its channels, and pummeling anything that stood in its way was a nice distraction. At times it did prove to be a bit of a challenge for hiking. The path, which stood no chance against this giant force was completely flooded around mile 2 of our evening stroll. My shoes did come off the first couple of times I crossed the wet path, but when the current got a bit more intense I relinquished the idea of dry feet and trudged through the stream shoes and all!

45 minutes later with wet feet we arrived to a circle of six trees and set up for the night. The bugs were a bit much so Replay headed into the tent and I enjoyed my quiet time covered from head to toe in either clothing or synthetic material.