Four hikers — Ray Drapek, David Anderson, Dave Auxier, and Michael Giles — completed a 30 mile section hike of the Pacific Crest trail in the North Cascades. The challenges were many: hot sun, biting flies, big elevation gains, overgrown trails; but the rewards in spectacular scenery and good company made it all worth it. The Forest Service closed the Rainy Pass trail after we had started our backpack due to the Easy fire. We were aware that the air was a bit smoky at times but didn’t know of trail closures until we came out at Harts Pass where the trail was blocked and a “Trail Closed” sign was up. If we had started our trek a day later, the trip would not have been possible. Sometimes ignorance is bliss!
