Purple Pass trail looking North by NBend, on Flickr

The next morning, Thursday I woke up very sore, my calves were screaming from all the climbing and descending on Purple Pass. I decided to hike 8 miles along the Lakeside Trail.

Lakeside trail by NBend, on Flickr


Holden Village in the distance by NBend, on Flickr

The huckleberries were everywhere along the trail. My hands and face were purple by the time I got back to camp from all my grazing

Huckleberries are ripe for the pick'n on the lakeside trail by NBend, on Flickr

On Friday, it was time to pack up and head down to the dock for the boat ride back to civilization.

After 3 days of hiking, my legs are trashed and I am happy. But it's time to begin the ride home.. by NBend, on Flickr

Here comes my ride…

My ship has arrived by NBend, on Flickr


Goodbye Stehekin by NBend, on Flickr

I got off the boat at Fields Point, the northernmost point on the lake serviced by roads and from there, made my way to Chelan State Park to camp and rest up for the long ride back in the morning. After several days of quiet, it was quite jarring to hear all the noise at this popular park. I didn’t sleep all that well and I woke up on Saturday with a sore neck. My neck would continue to spasm on me all day on Saturday as I rode on. I couldn’t look down or up without sharp pain. I retraced my route back over to Cle Elum as the weather began to look ominous as I neared town

Sauk Prairie and the weather begins to close in by NBend, on Flickr

I decided to get a room at a BnB located beside the trail I would be taking home for the night thinking a soft bed and pillow after a long soak in the hot tub would help my neck.

After riding all day with neck spasms, I check into this BnB next to the Iron Horse Trail in Cle Elum by NBend, on Flickr

The neck was a little better on Sunday morning, I slept in and got a late start for home. This is my home stretch - a trail I am very familiar with. I watch my posture to avoid hurting my neck.
One last stop, this time for lunch at Snoqualmie Pass

Almost home..I make the detour at Hyak for Lunch at the DRUBRU brewery at the summit by NBend, on Flickr

I got home around 4:30 Sunday, dinner and bed soon afterwards. I’ll unpack in the morning. But what the heck? Why can’t I sleep?
Guess that’s why you’re seeing me post this at 2am

Cheers