9 July

The view looking south from Appleton Pass. Mt. Olympus, The High Divide, and Seven Lakes Basin.

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spike

Eight days on, six days off. Camping at the Sol Duc trailhead, eating well. Carrying tools up trail, cutting windfall, building features. Everything you own is damp, nothing dries. A bit of sun, and it's over. We call it spike.

Morning on the Sol Duc River while hiking to work.

Trevor, sizing up his cut.

Smallest tool for the job.

Kerf.

Clearing trail. Before and after.

Exiting the trail after a long, drizzly day.

Kicking back at camp. My hovel.

The wood stash.

Bear bins. Breakfast for dinner.

Building puncheon aka boardwalk.

Splitting construction material from yellow cedar.

Deckboards.

Big nails.

JZ, master craftsman.

Finished product.

F. N.   9.14.13   C.C.C.   F.C. Wagner.

High Divide

We hiked a trail in the Olympic National Park, Seven Lakes Basin and the High Divide. Made the loop in three nights, though it could have easily been done in less. As always in the backcountry, it's easy to marvel at the trail systems we have access to, many people are not quite so lucky. What a luxury to put some food and gear into a backpack and walk into the hills. There's just something about them hills.

Lake Crescent. Always a beauty.

Matt and the Blazer.

The afternoon sun filters in through the old growth.

Luke, pitting his concentration against the mosquitos.

Fauna. Flora.

The trail offers bounty for the senses, soak it in.

The High Divide. Bogachiel Peak on the left.

Matt and his mat, having an afternoon slide.

Mount Olympus.

Max, Rafaela, Matt, and Luke.

Don't look down.

Sol Duc Falls.

Sol Duc River and a small tributary.

 Small campfire on the last night. Matt ponders the trail next to this luxury.