01/09/15 34 miles completed in the drizzle, wind and at one time sleet. The clouds lifted slightly during the day to reveal stunning, almost Scotland like scenery that fitted well with the conditions. It was a lot milder than yesterday but still wet and cold. I couldn't stop giggling at one stage as each time, moments before I went through the 'vegetation that flopped and lined the paths' (most of the last 15 miles), there was a shower - just so the leaves were loaded up with the most amount of water to soak the clothes 😀 brrrr
Nonetheless......... I MADE iT!!!! I got to the Canadian border by 4pm and Manning Park 9miles later. It just hasn't sunk in yet although I am filled with many emotions. Happy to have completed what I thought that I couldn't, extremely sad that the brilliant journey is over, excited that it means that my next adventure can begin .... and much much more. Over 2550 miles across the mountains carrying my home, food and water on my back; snow storms, rain, desert, sun, hail, mountains, hills, conversations.... so much that so few would understand unless they have done it. But I made it, in one piece, wishing that I had done it many years ago. I will write my summary reflections over the next couple of days.... whilst I wait for my earlier flight home.
31/08/15 wind, rain (Washington styleee) and more rain meant that the days hike was slow and difficult. Numb fingers and toes that hurt, made crossing the rocky terrain hard and many falls were had. This combination meant that I needed to stop more to eat and refuel before the next section - if only I hadn't sent my extra warm clothes to Manning park! Nonetheless, 30 miles were completed and setting up camp was a slow process. Cold ramin for dinner as I just wanted to sleep and try to get warmed up. The night was noisy from the howling wind, cold and very damp/wet. Not the ideal 'last night of the trek'.
30/08/15 I woke up not knowing if highway 20 was going to open and therefore if I was going to be able to get back on trail. However, after many checking phone calls, at 12 noon, Highway 20 was opened. However, the next problem faced and to be overcome was getting from the bus to the trail head ..... Before I knew it, the bus driver offered to drive me there after his work shift. I hadn't asked... but he offered. I was literally blown away by his genuine kindness and the huge luck. This meant that a) I would be back on trail on the same day b) it would mean that I could actually complete it and get to the end - something that didn't look likely 24 hours earlier. 70 miles each way he drove - a simply stunning man in more ways than one.
So, back on the trail and I was able to get to the top of hill number 1 before dark.
29/08/15 rain Washington styleeee started today and an eventful night at the top of the pass last night. One particular incident was when an animal decided to jump and sit on my hip during the night. Of course I jumped and subsequently all that was heard was the thump thump thump of heavy paws scampering down the path. I am not sure who got the biggest fright 😀.
But to Steven's pass I arrived in plenty of time to have a huge burger and OMG THE best garlic fries EVER (oh and beer too). Following my fill I decided to hitch to the nearest town to recharge. I was picked up by the loveliest lady who took me to Seattle to stay the night at her friends. This is another wonderful example of random American strangers who are super kind and wonderful. It really puts me to shame as I have never picked up a hiker let alone offered them a place to stay. I had a wonderful sleep, great company and pizza that was amazingly good.
So back to the road via the greyhound bus and hoping that Highway 20 will be open.
28/08/15 another 32 miles in the bag leaving only 16 miles to get into Stevens Pass. At Stevens Pass I will need to get updates about the fire and start the detour around to Chelan / Rainy Pass 😕.
Today, unlike any other day was overcast, repeat threatening to rain and grey - fitting and reflected the mood of the day. One year on, it feels like yesterday. It was a hard day today in more ways than one.
27/08/15 after a fab night in a bed, there was only one thing left to do; and that was to stay for coffee, full English (less tomatoes) and pancakes😀 . So, with a late start, tonnes and tonnes and tonnes of rocks and stones; I only made 26 miles today. The views were stunning but not enough to mask the prodding, poking, scraping and cutting from the stones and rocks.... I cant believe that after 2400 miles NOW in Washington my feet start to fall to bits!
26/08/15 15 miles with much of it downhill, I arrived in Snoqualmie. Food, shower, laundry, more food, bath, sleep in bed and then more food would sum up the stay.
02/09/15 oh dear! For breakfast- a full english with a side of pancakes with supper consisting of salad for starters followed by two... Yes, two huge burgers and chips! The diet of 'one or regular portions' starts tomorrow. 
01/09/15 34 miles completed in the drizzle, wind and at one time sleet. The clouds lifted slightly during the day to reveal stunning, almost Scotland like scenery that fitted well with the conditions. It was a lot milder than yesterday but still wet and cold. I couldn't stop giggling at one stage as each time, moments before I went through the 'vegetation that flopped and lined the paths' (most of the last 15 miles), there was a shower - just so the leaves were loaded up with the most amount of water to soak the clothes 😀 brrrr 
Nonetheless......... I MADE iT!!!! I got to the Canadian border by 4pm and Manning Park 9miles later. It just hasn't sunk in yet although I am filled with many emotions. Happy to have completed what I thought that I couldn't, extremely sad that the brilliant journey is over, excited that it means that my next adventure can begin .... and much much more. Over 2550 miles across the mountains carrying my home, food and water on my back; snow storms, rain, desert, sun, hail, mountains, hills, conversations.... so much that so few would understand unless they have done it. But I made it, in one piece, wishing that I had done it many years ago. I will write my summary reflections over the next couple of days.... whilst I wait for my earlier flight home. 
31/08/15 wind, rain (Washington styleee) and more rain meant that the days hike was slow and difficult. Numb fingers and toes that hurt, made crossing the rocky terrain hard and many falls were had. This combination meant that I needed to stop more to eat and refuel before the next section - if only I hadn't sent my extra warm clothes to Manning park! Nonetheless, 30 miles were completed and setting up camp was a slow process. Cold ramin for dinner as I just wanted to sleep and try to get warmed up. The night was noisy from the howling wind, cold and very damp/wet. Not the ideal 'last night of the trek'.
25/08/15 33.5 miles in the bag, leaving only 92 miles to Steven's pass. Little news on the trail about the fires apart from 3000 volunteers have stepped forward and the military have stepped in. I did hear that highway 20 opens then closes then reopens (this is great news). However its all jumbled messages that appear to be out of date as soon as they are said. I will pit stop in Snoqualimie Pass to see if there are any updates. I have to say, I maybe a little disappointed to have already reached mile 2380 (soon to be 2400 miles), feeling strong and currently injury free to have to make a detour around the last bit of the trail. Nonetheless, the fires are massive and I have several clear views of them.
After a spectacular fall that ripped my trainer and bruised my finger and ego things started to change. Very quickly the Mount Adams (I think) smoke was all around and getting thicker by the moment- it should have not been in this area. It certainly wasn't bad enough for me to turn back and assured that if the fire was close, helicopters would be buzzing overhead but having yet another day (its been 5 days) without signal or wifi at White Pass - getting updates on the fire situation is difficult especially as it changes minute by wind changing minute. Smoke fills the valleys (and lungs) and the big (its closed 100 miles of the trail further up) seems to be moving and the detour route that I was hoping to take (via highway 20) has been also closed and evacuated- without phone connection I cant look for another plan or route. At this stage, my thoughts turn to those who have been evacuated and the fire fighters. 
22/08/15 woohoo! Back to the mountains again with stunning smoke screen views. It was so great to be back in the open but jeeez it was hard stony work!! I may have even got my first beginning of a blister for the whole of the now 2300 miles completed 😀 The smoke is definitely in the air and does make it hard to breathe at times.
18/08/15 of course I had to stay for breakfast! Hmmm breakfast burrito and coffee - it set me up a treat. I walked across the Bridge of the Gods which was an amazing experience in itself! It is a bridge high up but it's holey! This means you walk on a metal grate!! Sudden flash backs of getting stuck half way up a shop stairs (because they had no backs and therefore were holey) .... but gripping my phone in one hand and walking poles in the other ... with my eyes firmly on the 'bridge of the gods sign' ....I wasn't struck down with lightning and the bridge didnt crumble so I made it to the other side with the biggest grin ever!
