See above for more pictures from the trailhead and on the trail, and read below for Sally Friedman’s account of part of the hike on Day 1:
It was a hot day and everyone was ready and excited to go. TV person interviewed Dave and Karen on the trail, so that slowed them down a little, but even in the heat, all were hiking together. I ran out of water at only 3 miles and I had 3 liters. They were a mile to a lake, so I hope they jumped in, I would have.
People were greeting each other and saying hello to the horse people as they left about 9 am and the group left about 9:45 am after Bill said a few words and the group gave him a present.
I wish I was going with them, but left them before Lake Susan Jane as I felt they needed to get into their own rhythm and I needed to head back. A very skilled hiking group. The reporter plans to leave at 5 am from Snoqualmie pass to meet them at the camp site and hike out with them.
Myself and a friend will get there and hike in till we meet them and then turn around. What a gift they get to do this trip. It is like a marathon. 72 mile marathon. They were all meeting each other and getting to know each other when I left. I am guessing they will know each other very well when they are back.
— Sally Friedman
Thanks to our sponsor
Glad you could hike with them for a while, Sally!
Such an honor to meet this wonderful group of hikers and trail angels. We’ll be following along to hear about this epic trip. Happy trails!