Heading Out of Hart's Pass

July 3, 2013 (typed up)

From the journal: June 15, 2013
Day one on the trail we did pretty well considering we only slept about an hour last night.  We walked 7 miles, it's only about 6 pm, so we will eat a hot meal and catch up on sleep. 

My first steps on the trail were very emotional.  It was hard to say goodbye to Mom and all of a sudden it is just Ben and me walking out into the wilderness.  I had a sense of disbelief, like this was happening to someone else.  It is beautiful country, we are surrounded by the snow capped peaks of the North Cascades.  It is peaceful, feeling so alone out here.

Most of the trail is snow covered, but it is warm today.  The snow is soft, we have ice axes and microspikes.

We got so delirious due to sleep deprivation that we took a nap in the sun.  It felt amazing just to stop when you're so tired.  I'm reveling in the simplicity of it.  It might take some time to get used to, that the trail is my home now.

 

           At Mazama putting everything into the packs for drive to Hart's Pass

                                  Our starting point, Hart's Pass Guard Station

 

Saying "goodbye" at the trail head to Ben's Dad, Jon

 

 

The first steps are taken