Day 84Lewis County, Washington

I start with a river crossing. The night before, the current seemed too strong for me to risk passing through the trunks. In the morning, I choose the safest solution: cross directly with the shoes on my feet. They are soaked, but the passage is simple.

After a little more forest, the landscape changes. Flowering meadows, open views, ridges and snow plates follow each other. Mosquitoes become so aggressive that for the first time I use the netted headnet for much of the day.

I met Whisky, whom Early Bird had spoken about, as well as several southbounders. The end crosses the Goat Rocks in fog, wind and snow. I arrived around 20:00 on a ridge, with a real feeling of adventure, it was beautiful.

At night, heavy gusts shake the tent. When I woke up, I noticed that a part of the tent of another hiker, installed below, flew away. The sunrise in the mist is superb. After about 37 miles, I’m only 15 miles from White Pass.