Into the Smoke!

Boarded my Sun Country flight to Seattle this morning. The only way to fly, at least when your wife works for the hometown airlines!  Thanks Joy! I was surprised by the amount of packing time it took me to prepare for this backpacking trip.  One complicating factor is carrying all your food and water. I've got freezes dried, as well as useful items such as mashed potatoes and couscous where you just add boiled water: thanks Jetboil, the only way to go. As mentioned previously I'm going in for 2 separate 4 day trips, and have divided my food accordingly. Lots of trail mix, Cliffbars, and Cliffblocks. Some asked what I'm doing for bear protection.  I have spoken to the Rangers in the area, and while lots of bear sightings, no real problems.  I figure Sar went 4 1/2 months on the PCT Trail with only one encounter, so not too worried. Bear canisters or hanging your food is required, I'll go with the canister vs. finding an accommodating tree! Just don't leave your canisters (they're round) near a hill or cliff, as bears have been known to push them around.
Was excited to see the Cascades as our plane got into Eastern Washington, but disappointed to see the smoke flames and smoke from large fires.  One has burned 20,000 acres and 0% contained.  There was a thick haze over Seattle, and smoke smell actually permeated the cabin prior to landing.
Now it's evening and I've arrived this afternoon to Leavenworth.  I picked up 3 PCT trail hikers (Mappy, Happy   And Snappy: all through hikers get trail names) at Stevens Pass and gave them the 30 mile ride into town. They're taking a day to replenish due to the smoke blowing in.
Speaking of smoke, good news and bad news. I happened to be in a hiking supply store in town and 2 Forest Rangers came in with a flyer.  I talked to them and they're closing the Enchantments where iI intended to go in tomorrow.   However, the store employee,the PCT hikers, and the Rangers recommended a trail north of Leavenworth that goes into the Spider Pass and Spider Glacier area, so that's the plan tomorrow.
If you've read this bog so far,thanks for checking it out.  I'm trying to figure out how to post photos from my phone, but not having luck with that yet!

That's 11 years ago with my gear spread out just before my trek up Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

2 Days and Counting!

Friday night before my Monday Labor Day departure to Seattle and then up to the Cascades.  When does the preparation stop and when do I have the time?  Let's see: lightweight tent (thanks Sara! 2 lb Big Agnes tent saves 3 lbs from my REI Half Dome), Sawyer water filter (thanks Eric, last trip I used   Aquamore solution), SPOT GPS location device for safety when hiking alone (thanks Sara, it was nice for us to track your PCT progress 3 years ago: YIKES was it really 3 years ago when I joined you in Yosemite!?), hat, rain gear, gloves (will the temps really be in the high 90's as predicted next week), 2 pairs socks, 1 pair lightweight Altra hiking shoes, dried food, bear canister, my old down sleeping bag, down jacket that's useful as a pillow, hiking poles, Canon M5, Tamron 18-400 ( brand new lens), GoPro (thanks Eric!), extra batteries and cards for each, Osprey lightweight backpack, Jetboil stove, matches, knife, Camelbak water bladder, when do I stop and how do I fit this in my back pack for 7 nights on the trail?   Actually, I'm going in for 2 treks, one four night, resupply (I know, Im not hardcore like those PCT through hikers, but I do have a trail name: Hiker Dad, given to me when I hiked part of the PCT with Sara.  I have called 3 Ranger stations, and have decided to go in west f Leavenworth, and try to get a "lottery permit" for The Enchantments one of the top hikes in Washington, where many lakes are nestled in the Cascade Range.  My second trek will be out of Stevens Pass off of Hwy 2, most likely heading south on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)
It's 11:30 ... Goodnight!  Wait, I need to do food prep!   So much to do.. Who thought preparing for simple backpacking would be so complicated.  REI, Here I come again.  I forgot to get ....