Day 10: July 22 - Maple Creek to Longmire
Day 10 - 13 miles. We were up at 4:20 a.m. and on the trail by 6 a.m. All of us, from one source or another, had been advised to get through the canyon between Maple Creek and Longmire as early as as possible, as it heats up quickly early in the day. Thankfully we didn't have any sun in the morning, but it was still pretty humid and made for some uncomfortable conditions.
But we rocked the 4-mile ascent through the canyon and to Reflection Lakes in 2.5 hours. It was weird though, because as the book describes, we followed a road for the latter half. And while walking with a pack is bad enough after 10 days, walking with a pack on asphalt is worse. There was nothing spectacular about this part of the trail, either, which took us along the entire southern side of the park.
we. are. not. happy. campers.
We finally got through Reflection Lakes - the famous scene of Mt. Rainier reflecting off a lake is based on this area, duh - and sat down, had some grub, exchanged food and massaged sore feet.
The rest of the trip was pretty non-descript, downhill to Paradise River camp, and a big push to finish the last 3.5 miles to Longmire. And I swear, those were the longest 3.5 miles ever. It didn't help going past day hikers in the area either - all fresh and clean. We didn't exactly look approachable, nor did I feel approachable. I kept thinking, "Ha ha, suckers! This is what it looks like to do 93 freakin' miles in 10 days!!!"
1.2 miles to go, conversation between Randy and I, when I started jogging down the trail:
Him, (incrediously): Are you running?
Me: Yeah, well, I guess so.
He started to jog too.
Me: Oh no! That's not fair! It takes two steps for me for every one step of yours!
We finally reached the fork in the trail, where we had started 10 days prior on our way to Devil's Dream. We headed straight for the road and stepped off the trail (below, left). We saw Jersey across the parking lot and he waved and called out "Congratulations!" It hit me then and there that we really did the whole trail. It was unexpectedly overwhelming. It was done. It was over. It was sad, yet physically relieving.
Journal: We went to the car to drop off our packs and change into drier clothes. When I sat down in my seat, I sort of broke down and cried. I think from the overwhelming thoughts of all we did and saw and felt and experienced and how amazing yet so exhausting it felt. I'd never really felt something so emotional and so intense from a personal challenge before.
I think Randy and I got very different things out of it - he got to personally know the mountain he wants to climb next year. I saw it first as a fun backpacking trip but it soon turned into a physical, emotional and mental challenge. Something I've needed for a while, something to kick start the system and the soul, rattle the cage if you will.
AFTERTHOUGHT, Sept. 12, 2006: I've determined that my experience with Mt. Rainier is not yet fulfilled. When I look at her today, I have the feeling that we are not through with each other, that there is more to discuss. She's not mean, she's not taunting, but I still feel this need to visit her again, so it is quite possible that I will climb Mt. Rainier next summer.
Please let me know what you think!!!