At 6:13 AM on Wednesday June 18th, I started off from Timberline ski area, expecting significant snow for the first ~14km, and carrying microspikes, layers, water, and food for the whole day. It was quite windy with mist and clouds rolling in as I prepared to leave. Thankfully, I didn't need the spikes, as the snow was intermittent and fairly soft. Snow travel was slow but the trail was well-defined, and I needed to check my gps only twice to ensure I didn't lose the trail. There were a few downed trees in the first quarter of the trail, but they were easy to get around/over. Zigzag river crossing was an easy rock-hop, and there was a sturdy log to cross the Sandy river less than 100 metres upstream of the trail, well-marked by a cairn. The rhododendrons and bear grass were in full bloom as were many other early-season wildflowers. A rain shower was preceding me down the trail, and around the halfway point, as the PCT passed between Bull Run Lake and Lost Lake, I got completely soaked by wet huckleberry bushes, though never actively rained on. Open ridges and boulder fields were very windy. I encountered a handful of day hikers and section hikers during the day, but the trail was very quiet overall. I filtered water into my 2L bladder once from wahtum lake, and ate a mix of precision gels, candy, and oatmeal bars (all of which I carried). It was a relief to feel my pack get lighter as the day went on.
It was immensely rewarding to see the Columbia and Cascade Locks for the first time, though I was dreading the steep rocky descent. Approaching Cascade Locks, the trail was covered in patches of poison oak. I tried to avoid contact, but it was impossible in the denser more overgrown areas. I stopped my watch at the Bridge of the Gods toll booth at 7:31 PM, after an elapsed time of 13:17:58. My family saw me off at Timberline, and picked me up in CL. I was unsupported throughout the run.