Meatball Subs

SUN!!! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I woke up. The forecast was showing sun all day, and this time it actually seemed to be true. We could finally look out and see some of the views we’ve been missing the last few days. Mt. Rainier was looking majestic. And I could see Mt. Adams, Mt. Saint Helens, Goat Rocks… all of it.

We hiked through some burn scar today. This area was interesting because all of the ferns and blueberry bushes have grown up around it, creating these stunning patches of bright greens, reds, and purples.

The forested areas were lined with moss and mushrooms. The ground was still damp from the recent rains, and the pine needles were so soft under my feet. The wild mushrooms in Washington have been next level. Each one looks different than the next. I wish I knew more about the different types. Maybe I can pick it up as a post-trail hobby.

About 20 miles into the day we arrived at the Mike Urich Cabin, a log cabin maintained by the local snowmobile club. A trail angel was hosting trail magic for the 11th year in a row. They had quite the set up, and served a massive meatball sub upon my arrival. It was such a unique and delicious trail magic meal. All of my friends were there, including Radio, Little Wagon, Geezer, Flash, Birdman, Bear, Buenas Noches, and Drom. We’ve all been camping apart the last couple of nights, so i was happy to catch up with everyone. This is likely our last bit of trail magic, and it was definitely a memorable one.

Camp was just a few miles down the road at a car camping site off of a dirt road. There are a ton of other hikers here who I just recently met. I think tomorrow the big group is going to try and camp together for our final night on trail. Only 40 miles to go. I can’t wrap my mind around it.