Wonderland Trail, Day 2

Mystic Camp to South Mowich River (via Spray Park)

July 23, 2016
17.7 miles

Near the end of yesterday's hike, my camera's battery died. That surprised me as I  charged it the night before. Well I think it went bad as I am unable to charge it. Now I'll have to make due with my phone's camera.

I got on the trail at quarter of eight. When I reached Mystic Lake, it was perfectly calm. There was some reflection from the mountains but not much due to clouds. A bird ran in front of me to get me away from its nest. It did the same thing last night when I got water.

The trail made a short climb out of Mystic Lake then descended towards Dick Creek and the Carbon River. The sky cleared for a short time and Rainier showed herself. My first clear view of the mountain this trip.

Dick Creek

There were excellent views of Carbon Glacier and of its throat, where the Carbon River emerged.

Carbon Glacier and its Throat

I crossed the suspension bridge over Carbon River. There was a scout troop that I talked with before starting the long and steep climb up to Spray Park. I was hoping the mountain would show itself but it was foggy the rest of the day.

Near the top of Spray Park, there were some snow fields to cross. Nothing too long.

Large Cairn Essentially at Top of Spray Park

Once I  started descending towards Mowich, it was a zoo. I probably passed well over 100 day hikers. I guess Saturday isn't the best day to cross Spray Park.

The descent towards Mowich was very damp. The trees were dripping and the trail was muddy. I was happy to finally turn back on to the Wonderland Trail. It was still damp but things were clearing and drying the farther along I went.

Bear Grass

I passed several backpackers along the last stretch to the South Mowich River campground I'm staying at tonight. Several are thru-hiking the Wonderland like I am. Most seem to be doing it in eight days, some a couple more. I haven't met anyone doing it in six like I am. I'll probably pass several of them on the other side of the mountain.

There're two men camped here besides me, Jeff and Mike. I went over and talked to them for awhile. Jeff hiked the PCT in 2008. It was an interesting and enjoyable conversation.

Like yesterday, I never took any long breaks today. The longest was maybe ten minutes maybe two thirds of the way up to Spray Park. It was just too damp to sit down anywhere. I really should have ate more too. I think I'll eat some more now before it gets dark and I crawl into bed.

Wonderland Trail, Day 1

White River to Mystic Camp

July 22, 2016
12.3 miles

Woke up to rain at Mom's. Got a later start than planned since my brother Robert and I spent time at the house last night and by the time we got back it was late.

I was on the road about half past seven and it rained off and on the whole drive to Longmire. I was able to get a reasonable schedule but it started at White River. That was good in that I was able to cache two days of food at Longmire. The bad part was having to drive to White River. By the time I got there the rain had stopped and it was fairly nice when I finally started the hike. That was good.

I'm going counterclockwise so right away the trail started a hard climb towards Sunrise. I made a wrong turn before I even got started but it didn't take long to get on trail. It took over an hour to make the climb and I was happy for the level trail to Sunrise Camp. Met two women that started today at White River too, but they weren't going as far as I.

My Start at White River

View on Climb Towards Sunrise

There were lots of people out day hiking from Sunrise. The trail was more exposed and there were several snow fields to cross. Unfortunately the mountain was not visible.

Shadow Lake

I talked to an elderly couple for a few minutes. They told me to watch for mountain goats when I neared Skyscraper Pass. They had seen a large herd of 60 or 70 goats! I did spot some goats, maybe 20. I also spotted a Marmot but wasn't able to get a picture. Those were the first mountain goats I'd ever seen in the wild.

Looking Down to Berkeley Park

Mountain Goats Video

When I reached Granite Creek campground, I met a woman and her Mother. They started at Sunrise and were also going to Mystic. I haven't seen them at the campground.

Throat of Winthrop Glacier

Winthrop Glacier

I talked to a couple at the campground that are from Florida. They're going clockwise and will end up at White River tomorrow. They hiked the PCT in 2014. I think we'll probably pass each other on my fifth day.

Mystic lake

Mystic Lake Campsite

I never took any breaks today except for short ones to get a drink or some food. I arrived at camp at 6:30.

The big bummer for today was that I forgot to eat the second cookie before starting the hike.

Cabin Loop Trip Video

I had a great time hiking the Cabin Loop with my daughter last month and put together a short video of our time on the trail.

Cabin Loop

Friday morning June 17, my daughter and I left home for a three day backpack along the Cabin Loop trail on the Mogollon Rim. We've backpacked together twice before. The first time was almost twelve years ago on an out and back of the Barbershop Trail The second time was a Grand Canyon trip we did in April 2005, so it's been a long time.