Day 132 & 133: And...Reverse!

(Mile 2260 to 2283, Goat Rocks = 23 miles)

Adams (pretty sure) under a dramatic sky.

We are at Grassy Meadows in the Goat Rocks Wilderness.  It is thundering and lightening in the distance, so we gave in and pitched our tents.  We had nestled up cowboy-style under some trees for our weekly Saturday Night Buffet (spaghetti, teriyaki noodles, Skittles and chocolate tonight), when we saw the lightening.  Damn.  We'd have to set up the Contrails after all.  We always hope to get away without tents.  Always.  And usually, we do.

Gentian always reminds me of the meadows at Silver Falls' Old Ranch.

Today, I realized that Gumby and I had switched roles.  In the beginning, I played the role of leader and coach--watching the maps, calculating distances, reporting water sources, scouting for places to eat and sleep, setting the pace, and keeping an eye on our break lengths.  Gumby had never backpacked in her life.  The roles made sense.  These remained for awhile and slowly gave way to pretty even roles. 

Larkspur. This is for you, Andy Nelson!

This past week, though, Gumby has taken over as leader and coach.  My feet hurt.  Really hurt.  Like I try to remember what it feels like to walk without pain kind of hurt.  I am slower in general and especially in the morning.  I am a little too distracted to keep track of maps and water sources.  I am relieved to have someone else do it.  I don't ever want to get up from breaks, and I barely care where we eat or sleep.  I am just hanging on.  Gumby is in pain, too, of course, but she is doing better, overall.  Without a word, she has taken the reigns, and I have stepped back.  I mentioned something about it today.  "I just keep moving," she said.  "I know you'll do everything you can to keep up."  I could have cried.  But I am trying not to.  (I have done enough of it this week!) 

A pass! Way easier than the Sierras. Phew!

People ask how we are getting along (seemingly expecting the worst) and are always surprised to hear how well we are doing and easily we work together.  But it is just this sort of thing, this silent exchange of leadership in a time of need,  that makes us work as a team.  We don't really talk about it--by now, few words are needed--we just do.  And the other falls in line behind.

Gumby walking through Goat Rocks.

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P.S.  Goat Rocks is spectacular.  I knew people talked about it, but I had no idea what was coming.  Dramatic lines and colors, gorgeous creeks and wildflowers.  Definitely one to revisit.  I had never spent much time in the Washington wilderness.  I see now what the big deal with Washington is!

If Dr. Seuss had a flower, this puffy swirl would be it! (ID anyone?

Mt. Adams escorted us up to the Knifes Edge.

Good morning, pika!

Mt. Rainier to the north. We are headed towards it. In a round about PCT sort of way.

Sunrise in Goat Rocks.

Those are two mountain goats on that ridge side!

2300 miles, baby!