Trip leader Hiro reported Friday:

“The Trip 6 team is off and running! We started hiking up the Icicle Creek Trail at 10 a.m. and arrived at our expansive campsite on Icicle Creek at 2:45 p.m. with 7 miles under our feet. Our cumulative up for the day was 635 feet and our cumulative down was 370 feet.

“We stopped for a relaxing lunch at French Creek and then refreshed our feet as we crossed through the water to continue our journey. We had the shade of forest to enjoy as the day was warm. The skies are blue and no smoke where we are.”

This team is hiking approximately 35 miles over five days with no llama support and lots of elevation. Their route — Ladies Lake Loop via Chatter Creek — is a challenging one in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, featuring alpine lakes and unbelievable scenery.

Trip 3

The Trip 3 team also hit the trail today, hiking approximately 30 miles over six days from White Pass Trailhead to Chinook Pass Trailhead. They are accompanied by llamas.

This section of the Pacific Crest Trail features lovely views of Mt. Rainier and the central Cascades. The route is a PasstoPass classic.

Assistant trip leader Abby reported:

“The Trip 3 team started our hiking adventure today. We had a delicious breakfast at White Pass provided by PasstoPass alumni and trail angels Sandy, Linde, and Deb.

“Llama Warf decided to try to make an escape before we started on trail but Abby was able to chase him down.

“We enjoyed getting to know each other during the 3.5 mile hike to Sand Lake, where we are now sharing dinner, and Oreos left behind by the Trip 2 team. Thanks!

“Mumsie, Chris, and Cristy became pro llama trainers, leading the llamas throughout today’s hike. We got to Sand Lake in the early afternoon. Everyone took a nice swim, even though it was a little chilly. We sat around by the lake until dinner, and then Bobby made sure to eat everyone’s leftover food.

“Everyone is turning in early and excited to continue on tomorrow!”