Washington
Starting: Section L4 - Bathroom at Harts Pass
Ending:  Section L9 - Manning Park

I reached Canada on October 6th 2005 at 5:49 pm, 146 days after leaving the Mexican border. I was cold, hungry, soaking wet & alone in a freezing rain. Even under these terrible conditions the smile on my face was visible from space & my shout of joy heard round the world.

I set up my camera for a couple of shots and wrote my final entry in the register while trying to keep them both dry. I then stood still, quietly listening to the falling rain and... remembered.

With a pause & final glance back at the way I had come, I continued north the final 8 miles to Manning Park. That's right, even after reaching the border monument you still have 8 more miles to go.

Reaching the final trailhead in total darkness was quite a shock. The PCT, a trail that has continued unbroken for 2,600 miles, a trail that at times felt endless, abruptly ends. It was no longer possible to keep heading north.

I will be adding several post-hike journal entries in the coming days but for now I will leave you with the final words I wrote in the register: "To all the new friends I made along the way, I love you guys & miss you already."