Mile 2,563.7 - 2,580.0

Cold, very cold, freezing, and last but not least frozen. That was how our night went as we camped just below Cloudy Pass at an elevation of 6,000'. At best we got a few hours of sleep, trying desperately  to stay warm. The freezing cold air just found its way through our sleeping bags, through two layers of pants, two long sleeve wool shirts, a rain jacket, socks, a winter hat, two hoods, gloves, and a sleeping bag liner.  I had nothing left in my pack to put on and I still froze. Our hiking friend "Handbrake" said that his thermometer read 28 degrees this morning. I can believe it. Our tent was covered in frost and so was the trail. We both agreed that this was our second coldest night on the trail. The coldest night was in Southern California, just before Big Bear Lake at 9,000'. We survived, but it was uncomfortable.

The plus side was that today's 16 miles was mostly downhill to the long awaited North Cascades National Park. Balance's sister Rosemary has worked in the Park for many years now, so entering it on foot from the Mexican border has special meaning for us.

We took the Park shuttle to Stehekin, which is a very small resort community where we can camp, shower, do laundry, and get our last food box. Chelan lake here is amazing, with massive mountains surrounding it.

Tomorrow we hike through the North Cascades National Park, although for only 17 or 18 miles. We can't wait.

Fall has arrived here in Northern Washington. Vine maples turning color.

Welcome to North Cascades National Park. That brings a smile to our faces.

Glacial blue water at High Bridge, the  southern part of North Cascades National Park. Salmon were spawning in the river.

Our shuttle to Stehekin. There is a 10 mile dirt road which passes an amazing bakery. All hikers stop there and load up on baked goods.

Amazing Lake Chelan.