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It rained all last night at Hoh Lake... it rained hard. Most my gear is tolerably dry, although the high schoolers next door did not fare so well. Their bags (and everything else) is soaked through, and they have decided to pack out today instead of finish up the last four days of their trip. All things considered, they are in high spirits, and bid farewells as they head up the trail. My boots have been wet for days in the incessant weather, and my toes complain to me as we traverse the never-ending switchbacks down to the Hoh River. They do not call this a rainforest for nothing! Steady showers persist, turning the mosses & leaves of the Hoh Rainforest to the shimmering lively green. Surging rivers engulf their banks today, and I am thankful this weather system held out until after I had completed my journey up the Queets. My feet are soaked in my squashing boots, but I care little, whistling the tune of "All You Need Is Love" as I amble down the trail. I take lunch under the porch of the Olympus Guard Ranger Station, and meet a pair of climbers, on their way up to summit Olympus via the Blue Glacier (standard route). One of them is suffering miserably in a pair of rented boots (ouch! ), so I offer my moleskin (which I have not used) and my duct tape (which is nearly out). I give them my provisions (they need it worst than I do), say goodbye and continue onwards, down the River. |