CDT: Road Trip Before Hike

We started our long journey to the start of my last leg on the CDT. Our first stop was Sunset Crater north of Flagstaff and then on to Bryce Canyon National Park. Been there before but it was too cold, snowy and windy to do much. Perfect weather this time and we were able to take several beautiful, colorful hikes. The hoodoos were fantastic, with some looking sculpted and man-made. Hayduke Trail is now on my short list!

After leaving Utah, we traveled to Walla Walla, WA area for a few days of visiting vineyards and sampling some wonderful wines.

Then down the Columbia River Gorge to Mt Hood for some great hiking, lake kayaking and repeating one of my favorite meals on the PCT, the breakfast buffet at Timberline Lodge. Also got to Cascade Locks for a hike to Tunnel Falls and some brews at the Ale House.

Still heavy snow prevented us from getting too close to Mt Adams and Goat Rocks but we managed some good hikes near Mt Rainier including some sections of the Wonderland Trail. Our lab really enjoyed the remaining snow at Chinook Pass.

A special treat was three days at Stehekin on Lake Chelan. First stop was the PCT legendary Stehekin Bakery. Mrs. Haze, an expert on these matters, agreed it was one of the best. We hiked from High Bridge north to Rainy Pass, kayaked and swam in bracing Lake Chelan, and ate ourselves silly at the Stehekin Valley Ranch. Highly recommended!