Page 8: Methow To Granite Pass

Somewhere along the trail.

The next morning we started up … and up, and more up until we finally reached 6600’ Methow Pass. This is where one of the funniest things that has ever happened to me on a hike occurred.

Since I was quite a distance in front of Mel, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take a quick, private poop. I picked out a nice clump of short, stubby trees away from the trail and got the TP out. Just as I dropped my pants and assumed the squat position, a helicopter roared over the ridge and hovered directly above me. I swear to God I am not making this up!

Mel appeared a few minutes later and laughed uproariously at my embarrassment. Even though I was still aghast at the invasion of my privacy, I had to admit that it was pretty hilarious.

And so off we started again, passing Mount Hardy (7197’), then Fischer Pk. (8050’), and Mt. Arriva (8215’). It was pretty freaking awesome. No matter which direction you looked, there was always something incredible to see … and that view would be topped the next time you rounded a corner or topped a ridge.

We passed under the towering Golden Horn (8366’) in route to Granite Pass. Along the way I stopped at an unnamed brook and took a quick sponge bath and rinsed my oily hair in the cool water. I caught up with Mel shortly thereafter, and we climbed the totally outrageous switchbacks to 6290’ Granite Pass. The PCT was blasted out of the sheer rock here and it’s pretty impressive.

Granite Pass.

The rest of the way to Rainy Pass was all down hill. Hallelujah!

– Continue reading.