The magical place called Stehekin

July 3, 2013 (transcribed)

From the Journal:  June 23, 2013
Today was a wonderful day.  We walked 16 miles into Stehekin, all dry trail, not a drop of snow.  We walked through lush green valleys filled with wildflowers.  There was lupine, paintbrush and avalanche lilies. And, butterflies everywhere.  Jen would've loved it.  We saw this huge, old growth Cedar that I could not conceive of wrapping my arms around.  It is humbling to think of how much has happened in that tree's lifetime.  Ben was able to get amazing wildlife shots of a beautiful yellow and red bird, a butterfly drinking the nectar of a lily and a very slow-moving rattlesnake.  We were able to get a ride to the bakery from a very gracious couple instead of waiting two hours for the bus.  We had pastries and lattes before walking the two miles into town.  Stehekin is strange and beautiful, like going back in time.  There are exquisite wood homes.  We walked past a designated meditation site on the lakeshore with a wood sign that reads: "Be still and know that I am God."  The quiet raindrops falling on the lake where the mountains meet the water brought tears to my eyes.  We had a couple of beers and dinner and sat on the dock and watched the world be still.  This day feels like how the trail should be, like I am connecting to it, it is seeping into me - I feel calm.  Ben and I talked a lot about the day - life is good!  A good quote from Ben today about why he is glad we are on the trail - "Happiness is only real when shared".

June 24, 2013
This morning we left Stehekin with another good stretch of trail in front of us, about 100 miles.  We tried to go to the PO first thing in the morning, but they don't open until 10 am.  A woman wearing an auspicious blue heron shirt gave us a ride to the bakery.  We had egg sandwiches and lattes for breakfast and packed out all kinds of stuffed croissants, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes and danishes for the trip ahead.  Life is way too luxurious the last several days.  We walked the two miles back to the PO and got our first package, plus a letter from my Mom!  We sorted out food, said goodbye to lovely Stehekin and took the bus back to High Bridge TH.  We had a peaceful, wooded walk today with intermittent showers.  We are surrounded by old growth Cedars and Douglas Firs.  We walked through patches of purple trillium, I have never seen more than one at any given spot - they are usually few and far between, usually they are white.  We ate ham and swiss and pesto and veggie croissants overlooking a beautiful waterfall.  We have been following Agnes Creek all day and are currently camped on her banks.  We saw a muddy bear print today and have been hanging our food in these lowland areas.  Even though my feet ache and my pack is heavy with food for the stretch ahead, my heart and my steps feel light.

 

The Journal Entry for Today