1980: The Boundary Trail, page 16

Ranger Linda and the Harts Pass guard station.

Day Nine, Tuesday
11:40 AM

Ranger Linda took off this morning on her Honda. She just got back and I ran over and took a picture of her on her fancy little tricycle. We chatted briefly and she went about her work and I went back to the tent.

It's 30-miles to Rainy Pass and an additional 1 1/2 miles to Lake Ann.  That's what I did yesterday! And because of that I really need to rest today. Micki and I are both terribly achy and sore.  I lanced three more blisters this morning; each foot had a doozy under the great toe.  Micki licked her paws and called it good.

Road leading from Hart's Pass down to Methow.

Ranger Linda said there's a possibility of moisture tomorrow night but the way the wind is blowing I wouldn't be surprised if it came sooner.  She also said there had been a little snow here Saturday but that it hadn't stuck.

I washed my hair and stinky hiking shirt this morning in COLD water.  Needless to say it didn't accomplish much, so I'm about to boil some water and try it again. My hair is so oily that it will take at least two soapings to get it clean.

The wind is now from the north. It keeps the sky clear but it is cold and brisk. When it starts coming from the west, I will know the weather is changing. I figure meand the mutt only have two more hiking days, but four more nights.

3:45PM. I have eaten nothing all day but a handful of Gorp.  Micki has had only three Bonz.  We are both marking the time until dinner – two more hours.

Sunset at Hart's Pass.

The wind is picking up and we have retreated to the shelter of the tent. Even though it is still mostly clear it is too chilly to be sitting outside. Four more days and we're out!  That's two hiking days and two layover days. Piece of cake. Oh, I am beginning to look forward to steak dinners, clean sheets, and a soak in a hot bathtub. You want to know what one of the crowning achievements of human civilization is? Hot water out of a wall!

Yep, I am a true mountain woman, a seeker of high places, a wilderness traveler. I'll take those high places dry and warm, thank you very much!