I rolled up to the Bridge of the Gods before 5am, pessimistic as always. Within the first mile, a bee stung me while I was dodging poison oak. A perfect preview of the journey ahead. The heat cranked up early and never let up. I ended up wearing just a T-shirt all night and could've saved myself the weight of those extra layers.
I packed my usual ultra fare for what I figured would be 30 hours max: a bunch of cheeseburgers and mayo sticks. The trail was buzzing with PCT hikers, overgrown brush, and my beloved poison oak. Having done this route approx. 87 times, I've got my established pee spots dialed in. The little routines matter.
My legs weren't exactly cooperating after Monday night's Rainier summit, but despite the not-so-light pack full of mayo, I managed to move decently well. Just past Lolo Pass, I met a woman who had missed the turnoff to the Top Spur TH and ended up hiking down to Lolo Pass for about 3 miles instead. She absolutely refused to go back up. I understood.
On the climb to the lodge, I passed plenty of Timberline runners and hikers. Most I'd see again on the way down, which led to some interesting questions. On their end.
At Timberline Lodge, I was on track to potentially beat Ronda's supported FKT. I really wanted a beer, but instead turned around and started the slog back. I've done this route in both directions, but somehow I always convince myself that northbound will be faster because it's mostly downhill. Not for me.
The night turned into a bit of a sh*tshow. I had to take approx. 89 trail naps and lost at least an hour, perhaps more. I've got other excuses too, but the bottom line is: I was very slow. The final 4mi were unpleasant at best: it was 94F in Cascade Locks when I finally dragged by chafed butt back. At least there were fewer people on that stretch, though still just as many abandoned doggie bags littering the trail. My watch reminded me that 33:15:15 was not what I had in mind when I started.
I will most definitely never do this route again. Wait, maybe in the fall, for the annual Bridge of the Gods to Timberline Lodge outing...