Mile 2,282.1 - 2,303.0

What a day. What an amazing day. Both Balance and I agreed that today's hike to the ridge of Goat Rocks was equal to anything we have seen so far on the PCT, including the Sierras (which were spectacular).  We both went into Goat Rocks not knowing what to expect, other than what some southbound hikers had told us. They said it was incredible, and they were right. The rains of yesterday were gone, and the sun rose brightly without a cloud in the sky. Outstanding views of Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Rainier rising above the horizon. We walked for hours high on the ridge of Goat Rocks with our eyes and mouths open in anticipation of the next view. Today was one of those days that stays etched in your memory forever.

The culmination of this beautiful day was that we met up with Balance's family. They parked at White Pass and hiked in a few miles to meet us on trail. From afar I heard a call to Y-Knot, and sure enough Rosemary (Balance's sister) starts running towards us. Just down the trail we met up with Linda and Stef (Balance's mother and father). Rosemary ran ahead to retrieve our food box from the store before it closed, and the rest of us hiked out to the parking lot.

We all drove the 20 plus miles into the town of Packwood to our lovely cabin with a full kitchen. Rosemary made us all an incredible taco salad.

Like I said, what a day. What an amazing day.

Amazing sunrise with Mt. Adams in the background.

Y-Knot in Goat Rocks Wilderness.

Balance in front of Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is only 100 feet shorter than Mt. Whitney, which we summited in the Sierras a few months ago. I think Mt. Rainier stands at 14,400' above sea level.

Our trail followed this amazing ridgeline for miles of 360 degree beauty. The Goat Rocks Wilderness is unique. I don't see how we can top this place.

Balance in awe of the view.

Balance's sister Rosemary meets us on trail near White Pass. We were so excited to finally meet up.

Balance's mom and dad, Linda and Stef, also came from New York to meet us on trail. What a treat. Tomorrow is a rest day, and then Rosemary and Stef will hike the next 30 miles with us and Linda will pick us up at Chinook Pass. At that point we will have just 330 miles to hike to the Canadian border.