Chapter 1

September 7th, Stehekin, WA, Mile 2569, Jenny writes: “I arrived in Seattle as “jet-lagged Little Lass’, met by my anxious Happy 'JO' in the Seattle airport along with Little Ewok and Sundance. Thanks to this happy newly wedded couple, we were whisked away into Seattle city proper, enjoying sushi, movies, and Happy 'Jo’s favorite – Ben-n-Jerry’s.

After a night’s rest and ample preparation, we left Stevens Pass the following afternoon, running into GottaGo and T-Bob – my first view of the incredible social scene on the PCT! With excitement I signed my trail name into the register and then trotted off into the dense forest to complete my first 5 miles by nightfall.

The following days were 20 miles at a time, braving rain, snow, and hail over White Pass and Red Pass beyond which we were greeted to brilliant sunshine and blue skies during our ascent to Fire Creek Pass. We deemed it a heat wave at a balmy 50 degrees. The Glacier Peak Wilderness treated us well – suddenly my life seemed so far away and I felt so incredibly small. Happy 'JO' and I enjoyed the comforts of camping in larger designated sites, one night making a hot dinner around a fire.
Yesterday, our arrival at Stehekin at noon brought us to the edge of Lake Chelan by 1pm (via the Stehekin Bakery – yummy cinnamon rolls!) After days of hearing Happy Jo’s stories from the trail, I had finally come face to face with the ‘town experience’ on the PCT. Food, showers, warmth, and camaraderie with Sam-I-Am and Ivan, Mags and Baja Dave, tourists, waitresses, and postal workers left us comfortable, content and ready for more hiking?

As we await the arrival of our bus back to the trail, I hope that a sore knee and a few blisters (the classic post-100 mile injuries) can keep me going the last 90 miles! The sky is deep blue and only a few clouds grace the mountain peaks – it is a perfect day to set off toward Canada. Until Manning, Little Lass”

Chapter 2

September 8, 2002: Hello, it's me, Rose the sister. I thought I'd take this chance to say thanks for reading Owen's journal. It has been great for me to be able to feel like a part of his journey, the easiest part, but a part nontheless. I'm glad there are no more boxes to mail, no more items to go find at the store ASAP to mail to him. I am excited however, that Owen is very close to the end. As of Saturday the 7th, it was only 90 miles to go! That seems so small on the grand scheme of things, but thinking of walking 90 miles (from Rochester to past Syracuse) is an overwhelming thought. I give my brother and all those other hikers that started this journey back in late April and early May two huge thumbs up. It's been fun for me to get to know the hikers he met and read their journals on the PCTA website. I hope all you readers enjoyed it also. Just a hint, keep your eyes peeled for a couple more entries dated this week and that will take us to the end. Bye for now, Rose :)

Chapter 3

September 11th, Manning Park Canada, Mile 2658: “And so, after 4 months and 10 days, I arrived at Monument 78, the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. I donned my pair of American Flag socks as I stood atop the monument for my picture to complement the one from Campo, Mexico on Day 1.

It was wonderful being able to share that moment with Jenny. She could see my beaming smile as I posed on the pillars, a smile that reflected a dream I had held since standing atop Katahdin in 1997.

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