PCT Day 98, 18 August 2022 (Thursday)
"Interview With A Damp Hiker"
Start Location: |
Lemah Creek |
Destination: |
Wilderness Campsite |
|
PCT Miles Day 98: |
23.9 |
Cum PCT Miles: |
1792.5 |
|
Non-PCT Miles Day 98: |
1.0 |
Cum All Miles: |
1899.1 |
|
PCT Miles Remaining: |
860.3 |
|
|
|
Elevation Gain Day 98: |
5,524 |
Cum Elevation Gain: |
311,069 |
Reporter (R)
Dan Bryan (DB)
R: Thanks for agreeing to do this interview, but I have to be honest with you, I was hoping to interview a vampire.
DB: Well, I’m sure this is disappointing.
R: It is, but it turns out it’s much easier to find a damp hiker in Washington than it is to find a vampire.
DB: Based on the fact that I don’t believe in vampires, and that I've been damp the entire time I've been in Washington, I’m going to have to agree with you.
R: Because I’m a glutton for punishment, I’ve done a fair amount of hiking in Washington. So, at least this is a topic with which I am familiar.
DB: Good to know.
R: So, tell me about the trail today.
DB: It was both typical of, and unusual, for the PCT in Washington.
R: I love the specificity of your answer, can you tell me more?
DB: It was typical in that it was hard, there was a lot of elevation gain. But, it was unusual in that I would have to say the trail was fairly good all day long.
R: So, it was a nice, smooth, fast trail?
DB: No, but the trail tread was not terrible.
R: So, there was no overgrowth on the trail?
DB: Oh no, come on, this is Washington. Of course there was overgrowth. But, it just wasn’t as bad as other parts of the trail.
R: Did the overgrowth slow you down?
DB: No, not really.
R: Were there obstacles and other debris that clogged the trail?
DB: There were some obstacles, but nothing too bad today. And no excessive debris.
R: Overall, how would you describe the trail today?
DB: It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfectly OK.
R: Was it hard to find a spot for your tent?
DB: Not today. I found an unmarked, hidden tent site. However, I did stop at least a couple miles earlier than I would have liked out of concern that I would not be able to find a tent site further down the trail.
R: How were the water sources today?
DB: Good, there was plenty of water. However, I did carry a couple extra liters the last few miles thinking that I might have to dry camp. It’s a good thing I did, because I am dry camping tonight.
R: How was the scenery today? Did you have good views, or were you just in a green tunnel all day long?
DB: It was a pretty good mix of good views and walking in the forest.
R: I get the feeling that so far you are not super thrilled with the Washington section of the PCT. Is that correct?
DB: That’s right. I mean, there are some very nice areas, and some really spectacular areas. And other areas have a lot of potential. It’s just too bad the trail is not in better shape and there aren’t more tentsites.
R: Is Washington starting to affect your sanity?
DB: I guess people will just have to read this and judge for themselves.
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