Firstly, I just skimmed through some of the comments that have been coming through the last couple of days regarding my and UB’s whereabouts on trail. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers; they may well have delivered us to Stehekin safely today.
There is obviously a lot to update you on, but for now I just wanted to let you all know that we made it here safely today on the 3pm bus from the ranger station at High Bridge.
The last 12 hours have been an ordeal to say the least. We woke this morning at 4:30am, packed up our wet sleeping bags, clothes and tents, and knew we were at the point of no return. We had to make it 22.5 miles to High Bridge over a 6000 foot pass. It had poured with rain all night so we knew what that meant 1000 feet above where we slept at Miner’s Creek… SNOW, and lots of it.
Many hikers had already turned back during this section, and we knew once we passed Fire Creek Pass we had no choice but to continue forward. The last few days proved what an incredible team UB and I are. We planned strategically to spread out our days to sleep low, conserve our food and dry clothes, and to get close enough last night to make one final push out of there. Yesterday we had to wear sopping wet clothes for 14 miles at low elevation to ensure we could survive one more night and the final climb over 6000 feet.
We don’t know of anyone who has made it through behind us and we’re very worried for a brother and sister hiking pair who passed us but are currently unaccounted for. I’m still shaking as I sit here writing this, knowing just how bitterly cold it was out there in the mountains when all our clothes were wet. I think I was close to hypothermic two days ago; today I was worried about UB when his hands were so cold I had to feed him lunch during one of our three 5 minute breaks for the entire day. We made it to High Bridge on a packet of jelly beans, a protein bar, snickers bar, cliff bar and one peanut butter and jelly tortilla.
There is one computer in Stehekin and no wifi so I will fill in the blanks of the last section in due course. For now I simply wanted to let you know we’re safe and well. We will spend tonight and tomorrow regrouping mentally and physically, assess the weather and our gear, and make an educated decision regarding the final section of the hike. Some hikers are pushing on, many are calling it quits. UB and I will make our decision based on the weather forecast, our gear and our skill level. I’m beginning to realise just how close we balanced on the fine line between life and death during this last section; and I don’t want to put UB and I at risk to cross the finish line.
Tomorrow we will know more. Keep an eye on SPOT on my ‘Where am I’ page, as I’m not sure I’ll have a chance to use this computer again while I’m here.
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers… let’s hope for some clear days ahead.
Muk
Mexico to Canada 2013 
Ahh, big sigh, so glad you’re safe. Worried about the others out there with the snow coming.
Glad to hear from you and know you’ll be out of the weather for tonight. Frightening about the hypothermia, UB’ s frozen hands… stay safe, stay sane and smart in these final days of this epic journey. Can’t wait to hear more of the details and praying for that brother/sister pair.
So happy that you are safe!!! What a team you and UB are! Sleep well.
Glad to hear you guys are safe. Please make sure you have enough warm layers, gore-tex boots, gaiters, and ways to stay dry before you continue. I had to come off the Wonderland Trail last week due to weather. I was near hypothermic at one point two days in, and finally on the fifth day, I had had enough. Warm up, eat some good food and make a safe decision based on the weather. Washington will eat you up and spit you out if you are not careful. Hang in there!
Thank Goodness! So Many Miles, Toots and Tears made it to Rainy Pass on Saturday. They loaded up on winter gear and are headed out maybe tomorrow to Hart’s Pass. I am so glad you are safe and you are a team! This is really fantastic news!
Thanks so much for the update! Been thinking of you guys so much out there! I trust you will make a good decision tomorrow.
Holy crap! I’ve been following you for a while now (I don’t think I’ve commented), and I hope you don’t have to give up this close to the end. What you have completed thus far has been a remarkable journey regardless. Whatever you and UB decide to do I hope you are proud of yourselves for all of the hard work you’ve put in so far. Best of luck to you over the next few days! I look forward to seeing your SPOT check-in at the Canadian border….you can do it!
You’re mad!!!!!! But in a truly amazing way! Go Rozanne, go! Im cheering you on from Melbourne and telepathically sending you warmth and energy and physical and mental strength! Be careful xoxo
I’m with you, Fi!
Amazing stuff Rozanne. I’m sending lots of warm thoughts and hope the weather improves for you two, for this final leg. Mol xx
I am on my phone so this will be short. I wasn’t worried, really I wasn’t! I know you can do it and I know you’ll finish!
Keep safe and keep hiking!
Call if you need anything, I really mean it!
stay safe, glad you have each other xo
So happy you guys made it through that leg, together, as a team. I know you’ll make the right decision on next steps. Sending you all the warmth and comfort of a polenta lasagne. One is awaiting you on the other side. Love you more than life and all the rest… xxxxxx
Rozanne – please keep safe! You have gone through an amazing and eventful journey physically and emotionally. We want you back in one piece. Look after eachother! Lots of love
Flora
Collective sigh! So glad to receive this update and right on schedule, you really pushed it in this weather to make it through this section in 5 days, good for you! One final push if you can find that window of opportunity to make a run for the border. Happy October 1st, with 9 days to go on that passport, plenty of time for 80 miles and a little R&R. Stay safe, stay sane!
Hi Rozanne,
So glad to hear that you are safe. I wondered why there were no posts. I’m also glad that you were with UB and the two of you could devise a plan for safety and accomplish it. You both are awesome! It sounds like an impossible task to hike the rest of the way to Canada, at least the way the weather is now. You can always save it for another day or year, whichever works for you. I’m sure you will make the best decision. Best of luck.
Donna
So great to hear you made it to Stehekin safely! The worst of the weather is behind you and it’ll clear out by the end of the week. Now you can warm up and dry out. You’re so close. You’ve got this!
You’re so close, I hope you make it! 🙂 Good luck!
Hello Muk and UB,
We were all very concernend for you both on this last leg. It was such a relief to get your update. Warm up, dry out, gear up, and make a rational decision on whether to go on. I am hopeful that the weather and your gear will allow you to continue on. You’re sooooo close. Perservere!!! Keep on hiking!
So glad you guys are safe! Get warm and be smart 🙂 *hugs and hot chocolate* (to both of ya!)
Being so close to the finish can influence you into making an unsafe decision. The last section can be absolutely treacherous. Joel & I just made it through on the front edge of the storm.
Stehekin is a beautiful place to stay right now, and to return to later.
Be smart, be safe, be alive.
I agree with every word, every sentiment in Fuller’s post. A wise man!
Soooo glad you and UB are safe, drying out and getting warm. You guys were caught in quite a storm. My thoughts have been with you and all the thru hikers caught in these conditions. Don’t let the proximity to what you thought was the ultimate goal cloud your judgement. Most Mountaineers with a summit in their sites will turn around when conditions are bad. You have accomplished so much and been so generous with all of us reader/viewers. (And yes, I admit I was worried from experience.) Thank you and warm up.
So glad you guys made it! Stay strong and get warm! *hugs and hot chocolate*
-Crash Test
thoughts to you…making such a decision.. you are at the fork in the path…whatever it is know it will be the correct one… rather a very good thing…. that you have one beside you to share .. be safe, peace and grace to too two 2 both of yourea Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2013 04:12:15 +0000 To: rea_lane@hotmail.com
Hey muk muk, this is August. Tigger and I ended up pulling two all nighters to get to Rainy Pass instead of stehekin. We’re both safe and warm now and are extremely glad to hear that you and UB made it out as well. It made us feel a little more comfortable knowing you guys were out there with us as well. Hopefully we’ll see you two out there on the final stretch, cheers!
Muk Muk–
Glad you are safe.
Posts on the PCT-L have reported many hikers bailing out due to conditions. But some prior class members have noted that waiting it out in Stehken may be a viable strategy and worked in 2009. Weather report as of 10/1 shows clear on Thursday, clouds but no precip till Sunday (40%) then no precip in the forecast though 10/10.
Hang in there and be patient in Stehken. Use your 5 months of trail experience to make a good decision.
Pulling for you.
Herb
HI Everyone! I just talked to Muk Muk and UB, they are in Stehekin and doing good, drying out gear and assessing the weather and the trail conditions.
HELP IS NEEDED!
1) Any trail reports and or trail conditions for the last section of the PCT is greatly needed, the Park is shut down and there is not a lot of places to get info in Stehekin.
2) They would like to get a ride into Mazama on either Wednesday Evening, between 6 & 7 PM or Thursday Morning. The plan is to go into Mazama get what ever gear they need at the outfitters and then return to the trail and finish the PCT.
PLEASE email me at wolfgangg@email.com
I am going to be talking to them again between 5 and 6 tonight to try to get this all arranged. So if this is something you can do or know of trail reports please send me an email ASAP.
If I lived closer to them in Washington, I would take them wherever they needed. I started following their blogs a while back and want to see them reach their goals (whatever they are!). I hope you were able to find some local folks to help out with their transportation needs.
Muk Muk and UB – all of your fans (and family, no doubt) are so pleased to read this post updating your safety……so glad you made it through the big set of storms. Thank you both so much for sharing your adventures with us and I’m so looking forward to seeing a UB-produced video with music accompaniment of your border arrival……(and if it’s done next spring after the melt, that’s okay too)
I hope people respond to Wolfman’s HELP IS NEEDED (see above). Sorry, I don’t have any information, but I’m sure others, do. Maybe people who just came off the trail at Manning Park?
Rozanne and UB, what a harrowing experience. I’m sure you felt the sense of concern in the comments that your family, friends, and followers left, when they received no communication, including no SPOTs, for several days. Fortunately, Wolfman provided calming information and knowledge about this section and Stehekin during the last few days, including the terrible news that the baker would be closed.
Over the last few days, you made smart decisions, staying low and conserving food and dry clothes. Great job. Can’t wait to hear more about it, when you get fully hooked up to the Internet. Looking forward, please continue to exercise the same care and caution on your next decision to go for it or not go for it. It maybe pretty gnarly up there. Good luck with your decision.
Muk Muk….So glad you and UB are safe. After reading your blog this summer, I feel like you are part of my family. I eagerly await each new update that you post, and not hearing from you this weekend I became quite anxious about your safely. Good luck with your decision.
Really happy to hear you are both safe!!! No matter what you decide for the last section know you are both already AMAZING people who have had an INCREDIBLE journey. You have influenced the lives of many in a very positive way! You are a great example and many look at you both with a renewed belief in themselves and what they can do. You have accomplished what very few will ever do. You are both ROCK STARS!! 🙂 This is your hike… and where it begins and where it ends is exactly where it is suppose to be.
Your friend on the journey…
I’m so glad that you are safe. I thought the snow was supposed to start melting on Friday. Some videos from Hart’s pass a couple of days ago showed about 4 inches of snow.
I’m a Chinese long distance hiker who plan to do the PCT next year. Your post has been so inspirational! I really appreciate your bravery in pushing this far–however, stay safe and sound! Good luck if you make the decision to push on! —Heidi(Nuoya) Zhang
Really glad to hear you’re safe; have really enjoyed following your journey, and look forward to hearing your thoughts/reflections, post hike (what worked for you, what didn’t?) Best from Oregon ~ Heather
Years of snowshoeing have taught me that weather dictates everything. If you don’t have a reliable forecast, you prepare for the worst. If you don’t have the right combo on your gear … try to remember the trail will always be there. It’s the journey … not just reaching the terminus … that will stay with you. Whatever you decide to do, SlimeDog and I wish you the best.
I read that you said that a brother/sister pair is unaccounted for. Do you happen to know their names? Is it possibly Golden Boy and Lady Ex?
FYI….you guys really need to rethink your strategy. It’s not safe. Two PCTers were rescued yesterday near Mt. Adams. One is missing still. I came off the Wonderland Trail last week due to weather. It wasn’t safe (and now the stupid government is shut down to boot!).
This is by far the best photo post of conditions yesterday, 10/1, at Rainy Pass. This should really help many make the best decision for them and should they decide to go forward the conditions they should be prepared for as well as gear requirements. The lower route Plan B may be an option for Muk Muk and UB. http://somanymiles.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/day-163-a-temporary-stop-by-snow/
Wow, low route might be the way to go. That’s a lot of snow and more storms are coming in.. little storms though. It really is supposed to melt a bit on Friday.
In case folks were wondering about the brother/sister team that Muk Muk mentioned in her blog, they are safe and sound in Winthrop. I found the blog post about their adventure here: http://pctwimberger.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/section-k-day-137-mile-2600-gus/.
Thanks, Andrea, for posting this. I’m very glad to hear the brother and sister made it out okay. That is a relief.
Please reconsider plan to go North today (10/2). Toots, Tears, Cuddles, Fun Size, Atlas, Delightful, and Lighthouse, Midnight Rider and her horse, Valantino, turned back just north of Rainy Pass on Tues (10/1) due to knee deep snow. Stay safe.
This is copied from Lionhearts postholer page.
http://postholer.com/journal/viewJournal.php?sid=937492062babe70e8ef6140813bbfeda&event_id=1558
The North Cascades Mountain Hostel was kind enough to let us use their kitchen. Aubrey and Paul are the owners and are such wonderful people. As the chili was getting to its sweet spot, Laura got a call from Fun Size. Turns out they had turned around after 6 miles due to chest high snow. They were hitching back into town so Aloha and Laura went out immediately to get them. Guess we’re having chili tonight instead. Midnight Rider also turned around because the snow was up to Valentino’s chest and he was kneeling down in the snow due to exhaustion.
Warm weather, means snow melting, avalanches and slides.
Please check out Toots website and see what they plan to do instead.
http://somanymiles.wordpress.com/
Wolfman, you got this one, right?
Brooke, is this the group that went out today? I heard the horses were going to Hart Pass and then heading north, not that I think taking a horse into 3’+ of snow is a good idea anywhere! Also any one have word on the group that is planning on heading up tomorrow morning?
I know that one of the groups got stopped on the Ross Lake trail today and they were told they would be arrested if they went any further. With the weather warming a bit there could be avalanche danger. They are on their own, without the groups. My hope is that they are safe. There isn’t much any of us can do, we are in a holding pattern.
I’m thinking they can do this. If they make it to Rainy Pass today or even tomorrow, looks like they’ll have three sunny days after that. Would make a huge difference in trail conditions. Go MukMuk and UB!!
I want to update everyone that is following along with Muk Muk and UB.
Today they are hiking from Stehekin to Rainy Pass (Hwy 20) this should be a fairly easy day and little if any snow, it is a slow climb to the pass and there is only a dusting at the pass.
I am going to take the day off tomorrow, Thursday, and pick them up at the pass, they requested that it be Thursday morning vs Wednesday night. I will take them where ever they need to go, but I will not leave them back at the pass. They may get really pissed at this, but I can not let them head into the current conditions with there current gear and experience. Some of you may feel that this is not my decision, and it may not be, but I really don’t think it is safe for them to continue at this time. Sorry but that is how I see it. I will tell them this before we leave and they may decide to part company then and there.
On with other stuff; Current snow levels for the PCT from Rainy Pass to the Border are 2 feet plus! Not UL Hiking conditions!!
Don’t worry about Muk Muk visa and running out of time, I know for a fact that she will be back in to the USA, sooner rather then later, hopefully before winter break for the schools. 😀 Not saying why. :p
So does anyone know of a cheep place that might be able to stay for a week or so it they want to try to wait out the weather? I know it is perfected to warm up by Friday, but it is still snowing in the higher elevations. I really think this is the end of the season. We really get weather in October that will melt out most of this snow. I am thinking it is here to stay. 😦
Wolfman
PS: Sherrie, Please call me if you have any concerns or questions or anyone else for that matter. 425-314-4781
Thank you Wolfman for taking the stance that being safe, staying warm, and having another day to hike is the most important thing right now. Why not ask them if perhaps some time in Seattle to wrap it all up is what they might enjoy. There appear to be several hostels in downtown Seattle they can choose from and even book online:
https://m.hostels.com/hostels/seattle/usa
North Cascades Mountain Hostel in Winthrop starts at $25 / night
http://www.northcascadesmountainhostel.com/rooms-and-rates/
If they decide to continue, I know of at least one group taking this option: From Rainy Pass hiking down Hwy 20 to Ross Lake then hiking up via the trail along Ross Lake. I have no idea of elevations or conditions, just know that option has been listed as a lower elevation choice, should know more tomorrow. I’ve also seen no indication of snow at the border. You are a fab angel Wolfman!
Are you talking about the Toots and Tears group? They just posted that they got turned back from their Ross Lake approach.
Just saw a post from UB on Facebook that they are in Mazama and rented snowshoes.
Per a facebook post, “Forget the Ross Lake alternate. Shedder and others just tried to take it and were turned back by park rangers. 20 miles from the border and they had to go home.” “Because of the government shutdown, the Ross Lake trail and all trails within the Cascades National Park are technically closed to hiking traffic.”
Awesome that you are there for them and so supportive Wolfman! It is their decision of course but the value of honest feedback is priceless. Whatever they decided I am sure it will be right for them.
Totally agree with you on the safety aspect and snow levels. It is scary for you guys, that you all may be socked in for the Winter. Read other posts about others turning back to feet of snow. Good luck. Hope they plan on continuing the blog after this has settled and they are ok with it.
Wolfman, thanks for doing what you are doing…if I wasn’t working this week, I’d go up and get them myself. Unfortunately, I am on night shift the next two nights. I cannot stress enough how UNSAFE this is to continue. UB has already been rescued once this year in WA and that was when the weather was better for SAR to actually get him. If they continue, there is absolutely no guarantee SAR would even be able to get to them via air or on land.
There are two missing hikers still in the Gifford Pinchot, one who is a PCT thru-hiker and one who has hiked the PCT (from what I can tell from the news and PCT FB page). SAR is getting stretched thin with the government shutdown, too.
Those of us with Cascades experience and appropriate gear aren’t recommending you move forward right now. Andrea has provided you with info to cheap lodging in Winthrop to wait out the weather. Wolfman has offered to pick you up and take you somewhere.
IF you are really going forward on snowshoes, PLEASE read the latest blog updates with photos, plot the two washouts between Harts Pass and the monument that will be potential avalanche spots, pack extra food supplies. Even with clear weather your pace will be slow (1-2mph).
We believe in your dream of finishing, but we all just want you safe too!
To update everyone;
After a long talk with UB and another long talk with Muk Muk they are going to continue. I really tried to get them to postpone or take a different trail but they are planing on following two other large groups north on the trail. One left today, I am not sure if that is the same group Brooke posted as returning because there was a group yesterday that returned. These two groups are going to try to do the trail in snow shoes. 😦 Personally I am convened that they all have gone mad. 🙂 Or maybe just trail crazy.
They both told me that they will not endanger them selves and will turn back if conditions warrant and or they can’t make adequate progress. I will not be driving up to see them as they already have transportation arrangements. Good Speed and Be Safe.
MukMuk, my thoughts are with you, willing you on, on whatever path you choose. Take care of each other, and be safe. x
Be safe.
Given the remoteness of this last section of the PCT, Rozanne, you won’t get this before you get to Canada, and we won’t get anything from you, which is going to hurt us more than it’s going to hurt you! 🙂 But be safe, cautious, and know your limits. And best of luck.
Thanks for the updates, Wolfman!
I read Gus’s and his sister’s harrowing experience (http://pctwimberger.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/section-k-day-137-mile-2600-gus/) struggling to make it into Stehekin. I read Robin’s (Toots’) post about her and her group being turned back by three feet of snow piled up on the trail just past Cutthroat Pass trying when trying to hike out of Stehekin (http://somanymiles.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/day-163-a-temporary-stop-by-snow/) . And of course I read Rozanne’s blog and watched her video, with her words “this has been probably one of the scariest and most thrilling mornings on the trail” ringing in my mind.
I’ve also read everyone’s comments, starting with fuller’s and Jamie’s agreement, through to renegadepilgrim aka chatterbox’s. And finally Wolfman’s, who has been temperate but then took a stance about not returning them to Rainy Pass.
You’re right, Wolfman. Everyone has just gone trail crazy, or to paraphrase fuller, maybe it’s so-close-to-the-finish crazy.
Wolfman, thanks for everything you’ve done to help Rozanne and UB. Now that they made their decision to go onward, all we can do now is have faith in their decision making, and their safe arrival to Canada—or safe return to Stehekin. In my book, a safe return to Stehekin will be a victory. A victory for good decision making, and I’m sure a great story for Rozanne to captivate us with.
On the PCT org site as well as the National Parks and Forest they are about to hit a section of the trail that is closed due to the government shutdown. All sections of the PCT that cross NPS and many National Forests are closed, including Yosemite, Lassen, Northern Cascade, etc.