Day 94Stehekin, Washington

The dreaded passage is difficult but remains at the level of what I have already encountered in Northern California: blowdowns, scalding, high vegetation and many insects. I meet volunteers who clear the trail, the 10 miles close to Stehekin are much cleaner thanks to their work.

I pass near Stehekin without entering the village. A shuttle should be taken and, at this time, the blind, showers and laundry facilities are closed or very limited. Bakery would be the only real interest, insufficient to justify the detour.

I continue about 5 miles to Bridge Creek Campground to get closer to the Mazama road. A pain under the left foot, present since my day of 40 miles in Oregon, becomes sensitive to every step, especially in descent. It looks like aponeurosis and only rest seems to be able to regulate it.

Shoes and gaiters are also beginning to tear under the influence of blowdowns. A mosquito-resistant vial leaks into a pocket, attacks the Dyneema and stains my shirt. It’s annoying damage, but at 3 days of arrival, they don’t really threaten the trip anymore.