Date: 2010-05-18
From: Fish Hatchery Road - Dutch Haus B&B

To: Fish Hatchery Road - Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 20.6

For six hikers in the bunkhouse, it was rather quiet. The rain fell steady all night long and was still falling when I woke at 6:30 to my alarm. Stayed in bed for five more minutes until I rolled out. I had to pack my pack for the day's hike before breakfast. I was going to be shuttled up trail right after breakfast was done.With it raining and expected to do so all day, I left my camera and bug spray at my bed. Off to breakfast. At exactly 7:00, breakfast was served. Pancakes, fruit cup, juice, coffee, and scrambled eggs with bacon, onion, and cheese. Another section hiker named Bev joined us for breakfast. I think she was nervous about to start her hike and did not have an appetite. No problem. I quickly put dibs on it and pounded hers down as well. With two breakfasts down, I'm ready for my hike.With it raining, and rain expected all day, I figured I would try a different layer configuration. I will put my vest between my body layer and my long sleeve shirt. This way, I hope my wicking layer against my rain jacket will help my vest keep my core warm.7:20, breakfast over, my shuttle is ready to go. Grab my bag, last trip to the toilet, and I'm ready to hike.Chuck, a friend of the owner, drives me to the trailhead. Right at 8:05, I start. In 1/2 mile, nature is calling. The rain has stopped for now. The brush, however, is very thick and wet. I am already missing my bug spray I left behind. With the job done, I make my way back to the trail.My day starts with a 1,200 foot climb to the top of three ridges. With four miles to the summit, I will wait and see if the rain starts up again. If not, I'll start reducing my layers.I hit the ridge, no rain, little wind, OK temps, I stop and go right to my body shirt. I start the big climb down to the Tye River, a down of nearly 3,000 feet. A bit rocky, but all-in-all a good hike down. Hit Harper's Creek and the trail turned nice. The last 1,000 feet were nice. In fact, a young couple came up running. There were several opportunities for some nice pics, but I left my camera back due to the rain. On the way back up, again there is over 3,000 feet back up. On the way, I met the other hikers who stayed last night at the B&B. My goal is to complete the 20.6 miles in eight hours. So far, so good. I hit the Priest, which is the high spot of my climb. Actually, I am feeling good. Climbs have been OK. Now just over five miles to go. A few more bumps, and a final 600 feet up and down. Done right on time. Walked 2 more miles to the store. Ate lunch there. Started the final 1/2 mile to the B&B when the owner drove by and gave me a ride.Dinner at 6:30. Spag and chicken. Finished, back to the bunkhouse to organize and start checking my gear. Two other hikers in the bunkhouse. One came in late. His water bladder broke in his bag and got his sleeping bag wet. He was very discombobulated. The other hiker was doing a short section with four other hikers. He decided he would come in a day earlier than the others due to a hurt knee. He was asleep by 8:30 and the snoring began. The other hiker came back in around 10:00. The snoring continued all night.Still, a good day, a good hike, and a good night.