Bucket here – Sage and I arrived at Snoqualmie Pass yesterday morning. Joy had a room reserved for us at the Summit Inn here – basically the only place to stay at this road crossing. This is basically a ski resort area, similar to Whites Pass. It does have a restaurant at the Inn. It was the first time we have eaten something other than trail food for 2 weeks! We had a good 5 days on this last section of trail. We pushed hard to get 22-25 miles per day in this section.
Sage was feeling sore “everywhere” the last couple of days on the trail. She first said she did not want a zero day here – she wanted to move on. But she changed her mind last night, so we were able to get another night’s stay at the Inn. So hopefully she can get rest, ice her knees, etc. so we can start hiking again tomorrow morning.
Our next section of trail is 72 miles to Stevens Pass, another ski area. We have been told this is a very beautiful section of trail with some very big climbs. We have a 3000 ft climb first thing tomorrow morning! There is nothing open at Stevens Pass. The lodge has shut down due to COVID. We can pick up a resupply package here, which Joy has already shipped. You can try to hitch a ride to a couple nearby towns for lodging options.
Our plan now is that we’ll pick up our package, hopefully recharge electronics, and move on. We’ll skip laundry and showers at Stevens Pass. Things can change daily, but that is our plan for now.
We have good WiFi and cell/internet service here, so I have been able to download all photos to date.
Our weather has been very good this past week. The forecast ahead also looks good for the next 7 days – so we are very blessed and appreciative of this.
We continue to take this journey one day at a time. Every day is something brand new to Sage and I – we’ve obviously never been out here so every day we’re walking into the unknown.
Thank you to everyone who continues to follow our journey and providing support and prayers. We greatly appreciate all of you!
Hi Bucket and Sage,
What amazing pictures! I can’t imagine walking and hiking up a mountain not knowing what you will see at the top. I can’t imagine sleeping in a small tent every night …in the dark! Wondering if you ever see any animals or snakes. What do you hear at night? Is it totally quiet? I just cant believe you have hiked all those miles in all kinds of weather. The stars must be spectacular on a clear night. Just seeing the immensity of the sky from your vantage point must make you feel very small. I think I would feel so close to God. What a once in a lifetime adventure for you guys to share together. I am in awe at all you have seen and experienced firsthand. You are two very determined and courageous hikers! Thanks so much for sharing this journey. Take Care and God Bless you both as you near the last weeks of your journey!
Mary Gonnella
Hi Mary – Bucket here – thank you for all your support and comments throughout our hike. We appreciate you and Jerry following us. Yes – we have seen some spectacular night skies full of stars. And most of the time the forests are surprisingly very quiet. The small tent is just something you get used to. We hope to reach Canada by the end of the month. Thanks again for your blessings!
Keep up the good work Big Mac. We are all rooting for you. I bet your couch is looking pretty good right now.
Hi Jim – Bucket here- great to here from you! We’re in Skykomish , WA tonight by chance and I was able to read your message. Thank you so much for following our trek and commenting, We have less than 200 miles to go to reach Canada. I hope we can keep pushing north to get there. Thanks again for your comments. We need to meet with you at some point n the future!
Ron,
Would be great to see you and Joy again , It has beem way to long. Miss all of the old gang. I get back to Ohio often. When you get back to the real world and recover we will have to get together. Stay safe my friend.
Dear Ron and Kendra,
It seems like you 2 just left, but also that you’ve been gone forever. We enjoy following your journey. We admire your strength and determination. You’re in the home stretch, enjoy every step of it!
Cindy and Willy
Cindy & Willy – Bucket here – thank you for following our journey and commenting. This last section of trail was very hard, but we made it through! We’ll keep pushing to Canada. Less than 200 miles to go!!
Prayers through the rest of your journey. We are enjoying reading about your adventures and the pictures are spectacular. Stay safe.
Donna and Gary
Donna and Gary- Bucket here – thank you for your prayers and got following our hike all along. It’s starting to get colder as we get closer to Canada (less than 200 miles to go). Joy sent us some warmer gear that we’ll hopefully pick up tomorrow! So we keep pushing north! Thanks again for everything!
I am so proud of you two. I hope Sage has no more more pain in her knees, I know how that feels. I took a few minutes while typing this letter to thank god for his grace with you two and praying that Sage has no more pain. I am so looking for you two to get home. just to hold you and tell you I love you so much, I hope you know that, Talk to you later, be careful making that 3000ft. climb.
Hi mom – Bucket here- I pray daily that Sage can hike pain free! We look forward to seeing you again when this journey is over! Looking forward to that long hug with you!! Love, your son.