PCH - Day 7 to Castle Rock/Mt St Helen’s National Monument

53 miles to a stunning viewpoint of Mt St Helen’s at the visitor center. Along the way, we had great views of the glaciated peak of Mt Rainier as well. Seems unbelievable that we circumnavigated the entire volcano a few years ago on the Loowit Trail; novice and heavyset, it was a hell of a trip I didn’t want to relive. Now returned to the same place with fitter experience and health, I definitely want to return and reconsider it.

Hands were sore today from constantly being in the same position and ass was sore from much the same, plus the sweat and rub that comes from 88 degree heat. At one point, I accidentally ripped a screw from my rear pannier and had to get creative to get the bag to stay in place. However, these marks add to a feeling that we are making a match point in our journey – tomorrow we cross to Astoria and leave WA, marking our first state completed.