We packed up as always, but this time it's the last time we break down camp on the official PCT. We will finish the trail today. We both know what today means to each other and how much time and effort went into getting here. We will embrace this day. It's only 13 miles to the border. Hard to comprehend after all we have been through. We are both very excited to reach Canada.
Just so happens that many other Thru-Hikers are finishing today too. Hikers seem to be coming out of nowhere, none more surprising than a couple of hikers who flew by our camp at 5am. I think everyone has Canadian fever and are just pushing for the border. We, on the other hand, will have to go at a slower pace due to Balance's illness.
After packing up camp we had a steep climb up Woody Pass, which has outstanding views of the Cascades. We were joined by Pillsbury, JerryMatt, James, and Whistle.
With the miles to the border winding down, Balance and I had a few conversations about what we had experienced over the past 5 months and congratulated each other. Close to the border we could hear hikers celebrating at Monument 78. We rounded the last corner and threw our hands in the air like we just won a prize fight by knockout. Instead we had just walked across the entire United States south to north, 2,660 miles. We got a standing ovation by 20 hikers who had just finished before us.
WE DID IT! We're done. No more miles to hike, mountains to climb, water to filter, tents to set up, and towns to resupply in. Handshakes, high-fives, and fist pumps to everyone at the monument with congratulations to all. We took photos at the border and joined the hiker party until people started dispersing. Those who don't have passports had to backtrack 30 miles to Harts Pass where they can hitch a ride to Seattle or wherever they need to go. Others, including us, still had to continue another 8 miles north into Manning Park. That's the closest roadway where people can catch a bus to Vancouver and go from there.
We were the last ones to leave the border, as we planned on only hiking halfway to Manning Park and camping one last time before meeting with Rosemary tomorrow.
We said sad goodbyes one by one as our hiker friends started leaving, most likely never to be seen again by us.That's sad since we became friends, all with one common goal in mind, and now we have reached that goal. Everyone goes back to a normal life to whatever part of the globe they are from.
After several hours at the border it was all starting to sink in. Balance and I were alone half in the United States and half in Canada. 144 days ago we stood at mile 0 at the US - Mexican border with nothing but a good attitude and a pack full of gear.
It was time for us too to wave goodbye to the USA and find a camp for the night. These last 8 miles don't count but that's fine with us. We know tomorrow we will be met by Rosemary and brought back to reality slowly. We can't thank Rosemary enough for all of her support.
Balance started off into Canada as I just stood for a few minutes thinking to myself at the border all alone and quiet.
In those minutes alone I reflected back on different parts of the trip and the people I met. More importantly I thought of everyone who played a part In us being successful, including all the trail angels and trail magic. All the trail volunteers who keep this trail open and the hard work it takes. It would be impossible to do this without them and we thank everyone who helped us and all hikers in the class of 2014. The last thing I thought about was how fortunate we are to have our health and not to take it for granted but instead appreciate it. I walked back over to the monument for one last look. Said goodbye and thank you to America before walking into Canada and catching up with Balance.
Our last night of camping on the PCT on the ridge before Woody Pass.
Looking into the amazing North Cascades.
Still happy after all these miles.
Balance staring out at the Cascades.
A little early to celebrate. The Canadian border in just 10 more miles.
Our very last step on the Pacific Crest Trail. We made it to Canada!
We made it! The US / Canadian border at Monument 78. We hiked 2,660 miles from Mexico to Canada in 144 days, taking more than six million steps to do it.
Balance - you are now an offical 2014 PCT thru-hiker. Congratulations!
Y-Knot - you are now an official 2014 PCT thru-hiker. Congratulations!
This is just a part of the group of hikers who finished today. Congratulations to the PCT Class of 2014. You are Thru-Hikers!
It is truly amazing what you can do with a good attitude and a pack full of gear. Congratulations forever on an achievement few reach.
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