Read below for a recap of the Pass to Pass kickoff this morning from hiker Ken Kisch:

Hikers started to arrive at Stevens Pass shortly after 7 am, where we met our packer Scott with the horses and mules ready to load up. We separated the food, day packs, full packs and community gear into piles for the packer.

Bill Hawley, trail boss for the PCTA arrived and was presented with three crosscut saws to show our appreciation for all the trail work volunteers do to keep the trail open. He spoke briefly about the never ending need for volunteers.

At 9 am, the pack team then headed off up the trail with us following at about one third their speed.

We are touching base now from mile 2469 where we have limited cell service once we crossed over to the West  side of the crest trail. We also got a welcome breeze that cooled us down into the 70’s. From the pass, We climbed 1100 feet and then dropped into Susan Jane Lake at mile 2472.5. Most of us soaked our hats In the cool water and ate lunch, where the bugs were not too bad. Dave and Gary are heading up the front with JoAnn. Meanwhile Frank is sweeping the rear with Cathy. Marcus is somewhere ahead of us chasing the mules so that he can start setting up camp and filter the water.

It was fascinating to see the mules loaded this morning with canvas tarps tied around equipment. The mules were patient as we loaded our packs and equipment. We named one Homer after a great nurse and friend at NW Neurological, one of our sponsors.

More news later as communication allows.

— Ken Kisch

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