The only problem about going to bed so early is the sheer number of times I had to get up to pee—4 times, but who’s counting? Pam! That’s who. Every time I got up she would ask the question I never get tired of hearing—“Where are you going? There must be something wrong with you if you have to pee again.” I’m a 50+ man. This is life without having to take some pharmaceutical which I refuse to do. After my third time, I was lying there trying to convince myself I didn’t have to go again when she started stirring. I finally get my turn: “Where are you going? OK, I’ll go with you to make sure your safe.” Chivalry isn’t dead.
Other people did filter in through the evening, but we didn’t get up to meet any of them. In fact, they were already gone by the time we emerged from our tent at 8—yes, almost 16 hours in bed. The rain ended during the night and we actually had some sunshine when we rolled out. This was a welcome sight. We dried out our tent and wet clothes while we ate breakfast. For the first time in about 8 days we could see Mt. Rainier again. This lifted our spirits—a great view and sunshine.
We were on the trail by 10. It’s less than 3 miles to North Puyallup camp and it’s all downhill—1800’. What goes down, must come up. We had about 5 miles into Golden Lakes to gain 1500’ so it wasn’t a bad climb at all. North Puyallup used to be a drive in camp but nature won the battle of wills of trying to keep the road open. There are stone walls along the North Puyallup River which are classic WPA structures. The bridge across the river is sturdy and gives amazing views. The river narrows between granite walls where the bridge has been placed. It’s obviously a fairly new bridge compliments of 2006 floods. We have gotten plenty of rain on this trip but, thankfully, nothing up mountain has broken loose. I’d hate to be around to witness when the rivers can throw 10 ton boulders downstream like pebbles.
After a light lunch at North Puyallup, we started the gradual climb up to Golden Lakes. We did pass one couple and talked to them for a few minutes. After a couple of minutes they said “We know who you are! John and Jenny told us to watch out for you.” Even though we weren’t hiking together any more, we still managed to keep somewhat in touch.
We were at Golden Lakes before we knew it. The guidebook recommends either site 4 or 5 as the most desirable. We got into camp fairly late, almost 4p. We walked up and camp 4 was already full but we decided to give 5 a shot. We couldn’t believe our luck that it was open. We just dropped our packs and staked our claim when 2 more groups came up trying to snag it. One was a volunteer ranger that checked our permit to make sure we were legal (I think he really wanted it). He ended up in the group camp for the night.
We did our usual routine, set up tent, filter water, cook, clean, hang bear bags, etc. By the time we were ready for bed, it was misting again. We went to bed by 7. No views to the west because of the clouds. It rained off and on all night so I tried to time my expeditions out between rain spells. I got up around 2a in between rains and was blessed with a view of Seattle to the Northwest and a sky full of stars. I tried to wake Pam up but she wasn’t interested. This is our last night on the trail and she had set the alarm for 6:15.
