July 19

Distance today: 21.1 miles

Mile marker: 300.9

The day started looking like a threat of rain. The weather report we called on the sat phone said otherwise. We were happy with the coolness the clouds brought as we made our climb out of the campsite.

We had a few longish water carries today. The first was just over seven miles, and the second was our longest yet water carry: 12 miles between sources. Thankfully, the cooler weather made this seem very doable with just two liters for both. We stopped at a spring for our first carry. When we arrived at the second water supply, someone had made a sign pointing us towards the subtle path to a creek – helpful! Along the way the clearing skies gave some good views, albeit less dramatic than the last section.

We had lunch near the water source and ran into the first people we had encountered all day coming down the hill northbound. They were a nice couple doing the Washington section and knew a lot about the trees. For lunch, Jason had lentils and rice (B) and Alex had tomato pasta surprise (A-).

During the second water carry, we had some spectacular views of Mount Rainier. After summitting the climb, we rested for a bit with sore feet and muscles catching up to us. Shortly after we moved on, a northbound hiker said there was magic in 2.5 miles: burgers and hot dogs. Our pace quickened.

When we got to the junction with the dirt road, there was a sign informing us that there was free food for PCT hikers down the dirt road. Either trail magic or an elaborate ruse. As we followed the road, more signs lured us. Finally, we found a white pickup truck with a friendly couple and their dog, Oliver.

Oliver was not a big fan at first. Our backpacks made us look big and scary. The couple greeted us and asked if we’d like anything to eat. They had burgers and hot dogs and chips and fresh raspberries and cold drinks. We accepted a seltzer and sheepishly requested a burger.

We chatted a bit while the burgers cooked and Oliver wanted to be our friend, but still wasn’t sure about the smelly hikers, staying at a distance. The couple were super interesting, doing all sorts of outdoorsy adventures and having lots of cool outdoorsy toys. They were camping for the night and wanted to do something for the hikers. Oliver went to inspect our packs and then came up to us and wanted to be pet and be our friend. I guess the packs got his approval.

When it was time to hit the trail again, they wouldn’t take anything for their generosity. It was an amazing experience and wonderfully nice for them to do.

Just before reaching camp, a northbound through hiker said we were the 24th and 25th southbound through hiker he had passed today. We’re not really meeting many other hikers because I guess we’re all going in the same direction.

We have another long day ahead tomorrow. After the ultramarathon and now the trail magic, we’re excited to see what tomorrow brings.