We hiked most of the way to the summit of Bridge Mountain yesterday. We didn’t go all the way because the ice was making it too dangerous and it was getting dark. It was a momentous day because at the coldest it was 28 degrees and at the worst spots my legs post-holed (broke through the snow) up to my thigh. I wasn’t expecting so much snow and was surprised at what a different hike it was. By the end of the day my feet were soaked through and cold. It was the best training so far. For me, the most intimidating thought of hiking the PCT is the snow. I don’t like the cold, and I can barely imagine sleeping in some of the temperatures mentioned in the things I’ve been reading. It was reassuring to start to get acquainted with conditions that are close to what lie ahead and feel like with the proper gear and mindset I will be able to do it. The worst part is not knowing and imagining the worst.

Today we’re still at the Four Queens. We’ve been here since the last day in December taking advantage of a free hotel room and some comp food. Right now I’m watching the quintessential 80′s classic Roadhouse and trying to ignore a piece of chocolate peanut butter cheese cake left over from dinner last night. My training schedule isn’t serious enough for me to consume those kinds of calories guilt free yet.