Assistant trip leader Eric reported mid-afternoon on the Trip 4 team’s first day:
“Arrived at camp 1, Sand Lake. 2.45 miles, 840′ up, 5′ down. All hikers and llamas in good spirits. Partly cloudy and breezy.”
The evening update is:
“Our trail angels — Sandy, Deb, and Lindy — were amazing.
“There was a close encounter with a longhorned beetle, which thrilled Andy in particular.
“We experienced a brief, distant thunderstorm and light rain in late afternoon. Our hikers are especially thrilled to be working with our llamas.
“Sand Lake is very serene this evening; the sun is out. The llamas are fed, watered, and happy. No insects. Finished dinner and made plans for the morning.”
The Trip 4 team is hiking an alternate route because of trail conditions. Trip 4 now covers approximately 30 miles over six days from White Pass Trailhead to Chinook Pass Trailhead (same as Trip 3). Originally, the Trip 4 route was Walupt Lake to Berry Patch in the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Trip 10
Trip leader Brian reported Thursday:
“Day 4: Reese Lake back to the serene Mesa Springs. Today’s pace allowed for lounging, naps, foot soaks, and laundry at tonight’s camp. Thundering at dinner.
“The week is passing quickly with good company. Llamas provide great contacts on the trail with many international thru hikers. Jerry is quite the PR guy!”
Trip 6 highlights
Following the conclusion of Trip 6, trip leader Hiro sent some additional details and photos.
“The Trip 6 team successfully exited the trail at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. We were greeted by trail angels (Brian, Theresa, thank you so much!) with ice cold drinks and sandwiches. We could not stop talking — we wanted to share many great stories from our trip. And some of us were already talking about next year’s trip! I am sure many of us will be sharing the trail again.
“Wednesday’s stats: 5.95 miles, 575 feet up, and a brutal 4,280 feet down!
“Tuesday’s stats: 3.35 miles, 990 feet up, 1,120 feet down, 7,050 feet = highest elevation with gorgeous view!”
