Hello, this is Joy. Another exciting week, this week! Ron and Kendra have been busting their butts, trying to get off of the mountain, doing 25 and 27 mile days. Mother Nature is letting everyone know who is boss, and a big snow storm is expected in the North Cascades, starting Friday night, with major accumulations. Ron and Kendra are currently 10 miles from their exit road and at 6am this morning (their time), they have already started hiking. So, the good news is that they will miss the snow (they will be at a lower elevation). However, they will be impacted by heavy rain — so hoping the heavy rain holds off until they get to the roadway.
Their last stop and resupply will be in Stehekin, WA. This is another small ski area.. they don’t even call themselves a ‘town’. There is a Lodge, but unfortunately, due to Covid and staffing issues, they have had to close early this season. There is another place called the Stehekin Ranch and I was able to secure Ron and Kendra a small ‘trapper’s’ cabin for Saturday and Sunday night, but not Friday night. This cabin has no bathroom and no heat, but it will get them out of the weather. It’s the only thing they had left and they never rent it for two people, but I had to beg, lol. With the Lodge closed, there is no restaurant open, only a Bakery. But the Bakery does sell sandwiches/wraps and Stehekin in known for this bakery being so good. But Friday night will be a challenge for them, with the heavy rains. Stehekin does have a campground, which they will probably have to stay at. It also has a small enclosed laundry facility — maybe this can be used for shelter. Maybe a nice person will have room in their cabin and offer to Ron and Kendra. Not sure what their Friday night will look like, but at least they will be off the mountain. With the Lodge closed, it really limits the number of accommodations available in this area. This is very unfortunate for everyone.
From their starting point this morning, they have 91 miles left to the Canadian border. Once they get to Stehekin, they will have 81 miles left. The current plan is for them to hunker down in Stehekin until Monday morning, and assess the situation. They need a 7-day window of good weather to complete this hike… 5 days to hike from Stehekin to border and then the 2 days to turn back out. But, there cannot be major snow on the mountain — they don’t have snow gear or snow shoes and the North Cascades is not a playground. So, we will have to wait and see if the trail is even visible after Sunday.
I know Ron and Kendra appreciate everyone that are following their adventure. And we all appreciate the prayers. Praying for their safe return home. And prayers to all hikers who are still out there, heading north. Take care, Joy
Praying that Mother Nature is good to them! The end is in sight. What an accomplishment!
Wow, it’s coming down to the wire! We are rooting for them, but so glad they recognize who’s the boss up there….the North Cascades are a beast. (Please consider us as resources in the Seattle area if you need anything don’t hesitate to reach out.)
Thank you very much. I’ll pass this along to Ron and Kendra. Joy
Writing this on Saturday morning and hoping their Friday went as good as it could. 25 to 27 miles toward the end of their trip is amazing. Praying and wishing them well toward the Canadian border.
Thanks Lindy and Steve. 27 miles in one day is their longest. But they needed to get off the mountain. Kendra said she was exhausted after that, but they made it. Hopefully, they won’t have to do that kind of push next week, to finish. Thanks, Joy
Hoping that you both are getting some rest this weekend and the weather has calmed down! Just about there!! We are thinking of you both! and Joy…haha
Thanks Mary B. Joy
Joy, You tell a great story. I am on the edge of my seat for the final push.
Jim, they are pushing me over the edge with this hike! Winter is coming in Washington, so cutting this very close. This week they got up at 4am, hiked until 9:30pm, skipped supper, went to bed and repeated. Skipping meals is not good — they are both tired and very thin. Ron asked me the other day if it’s possible to be in the negative body fat range, lol. I’ll be glad to get them back home and we can go back to our ‘boring’ life!! Joy
Praying for good weather for you to the finish. You are almost at the end of the journey. Thank you so much for taking us along with you through your blog. I will continue my prayers until your safe return.
Thank you Robin for following them and posting positive comments along the way. We appreciate the prayers. Kendra is looking forward to getting back to her ‘warm’ home in Louisville. Joy
definitely praying that you and all the hikers get off the mountain and in a secure area. God has been with you this far and we pray that he continues to bless all you hikers. and brings you home without all the rain and snow. it can come several days later. LOVE you and still praying that God continues to stay with you and brings you and all hikers home safe to tell your stories.