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Daily Reports, Day 10
Yesterday's distance covered: 0 miles. Last night's campsite: Mowich Lake Walk-In-Campground (elevation 4,950 feet). Yesterday's weather: Fog and clouds all day. Temperatures in the high 40s and low 50s. Today's wake up weather: Clear and frosty; 27 degrees. Happenings: Yesterday I had planned to make a side trip into lovely Spray Park as a day hike. The low fog clinging to the tree tops, however, persuaded me to just sit the day out. After eight straight days of full-pack hiking, it felt good to take it easy. People wonder why the Wonderland Trail is not officially routed through Spray Park and Cataract Valley, a more scenic path than the trail that travels to Mowich Lake and over Ipsut Pass. Backcountry ranger JoAnne Germano believes the Wonderland Trail originally followed the Spray-Cataract route (since the trail's mandate is to stay as close as possible to the mountain). But years ago it was changed to the Mowich-Ipsut route because that trail melts out earlier each season. Both routes measure 8.5 miles, but Spray-Cataract involves greater elevation gain, about 800 feet. A couple of Labor Day visitors to the trailhead generously tossed some spare food to this hungry hiker. Thanks to Dan of Auburn for the fruit and to Ava of Edmonds and her friends for the gobs of vegetables. This morning my buddy Tahoma Jon Corriveau, who operates Tahoma Glacier Water Company, dropped off some goodies before he and two pals took off on a 16-mile day hike, going through Spray Park then looping back over Ipsut Pass. Jon once did the Wonderland Trail in four days! My biggest gamble on this trip starting a 13-day hike with new boots has paid off. My old boots hurt my toes so I felt the new boot risk was worth it for this trip. I didn't settle on size 13 Zamberlan Civettas until the day before my trip started. Not a smart move. But they have performed beautifully; not one blister, not even a hot spot. Many thanks for the expertise and guidance provided by footwear aces Adam and Tim at the downtown REI. Looking ahead: Dry weather may last through my exit day, Friday. Great news! I have two of the trip's toughest climbs, both over 2,000 feet, still ahead. Time to psyche up for the big grunt. Last night's dinner: Spicy chicken fajitas by Richmoor's Natural High: $6.75. Distance still to travel: 35 miles.
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Tuesday, Sept. 7
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