
Hi! I am Ruth, or Sailor. I hiked the Colorado Trail in 2022-2023. In 2024, I attemped WA PCT Section J, and hiked the Enchantments and Mt. Rainier's Northern Loop. Off-trail, I am a professional classical singer/voice teacher, though you might not believe that if you hear me singing to ward off animals!
Posts
The Final Day on the Northern Loop
There, right in front of me, is Mama Tahoma herself. The smoke of the previous days has cleared. After not seeing her at all yesterday, I am stunned into tears.
The “Hardest Climb in the Park” – Rainier’s Northern Loop Day 3
Sunday, September 8 - Day 3 I blearily wake to the soft sounds of stirring in the next tent. I slept terribly. Unfortunately, this campsite was
An ”Easy Day” (or is it?) – MRNP Northern Loop Day 2
The result is a trail full of loose silt and rock, part of an ever-changing landscape. At times we clamber over boulders and through loose gravel, our eyes carefully watching above us lest any rock tumble our way.
A Glorious Weekend on Rainier’s Northern Loop: Day 1
I have wanted to tackle the Wonderland Trail, the 93-mile loop around the entirety of Mount Rainier, ever since I learned of its existence. Unfortunately, the permit lottery has not worked in my favor. Thankfully, my good friend Margaret was able to get permits for the Northern Loop, which is rumored to be a good taste-test for the Wonderland, and beautiful on its own.
The Enchantments Postlude: Lessons Learned
After my epic but tragically short Enchantments hike, I learned some valuable lessons and had many questions answered. I learned a lot about the
An Early Exit: Hiking the Enchantments Day 2
I don't want to waste my one day in the core fixing a sleeping pad leak. And, I cannot sleep on the bare ground another night. Looks like I'm hiking out today.
Conquering Aasgard: Hiking the Enchantments Day 1
So full of hope and nerves at the Stuart Lake Trailhead Day 1 - Thursday, August 15, 2024 It's Day 1 of my hike into the Enchantments.
When the Permit Gods Smile Upon You: Hiking the Enchantments
I looked at the normal permit page and froze - in just a week's time, there was an available permit in the Core zone. As I looked closer, I realized the opening was just for 1 person. Just me.
PCT WA Section J Attempt: Comfortably Numb
Day 1 - Sunday, July 21 Sitting in the car as my husband drives me from our home in Seattle to Stevens Pass, I feel oddly numb. I remember feeling
A Summer of Shorter Thru-Hikes
Last year, I finally completed the goal I set in 2022: the nearly 500 mile Colorado Trail. This goal occupied my thoughts for two full hiking