For my first hike of the season, I hiked up the Dosewallips River to the old campground, about 13 miles and 1,600 feet elevation gain. This was my first hike with my new Oboz boots. I bought them because my new orthotic inserts fit in them and allow me to wear a lighter boot than the old heavy boots I used last year. So much lighter!
I had a quick breakfast of oatmeal and a banana and left home at 6:40 am. Arrived at the trailhead and started hiking at 8:03. It was a nice cool morning and there were only two other cars at the trailhead.
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| Starting out in the cool morning air. |
I walked briskly up the first section of trail which is on the old road bed and is flat and well-graveled. Got around the washout easily and continued past the turnoff to Elkhorn Campground.
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| The washout |
As the road started to get steeper, I slowed down but still made good progress. I took two rest breaks and arrived at the campground at 11:08. Checked out the old ranger station buildings, which took hits from falling trees last winter and are looking kind of dilapidated.
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| The old Forest Service car campground |
Had lunch leaning against a big log in the middle of the campground. Peanut butter, crackers, raisins, cheese, chocolate and a granola bar.
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| Lunch at the campground |
At 11:47 I started down. Stopped at the falls to watch the huge torrent of snowmelt rushing over the rocks.
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| Dosewallips Falls |
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| The view on the way down |
Before I started in the morning, I was a little worried about the Achilles tendon on my left foot because it had given me some pain on my daily walks. It felt all right on the way up the trail but when I started down it began to hurt. I tried adjusting my boot and slowing down. Sometimes the pain eased up and other times it was worse.
By the time I got to the last mile, it was hurting badly but I just ignored it and pushed through the pain. That probably wasn't such a good idea, because it hurt for days afterward.
Got to the car, very tired, at 2:08 and drove home. Stopped in Quilcene for coffee at the coffee stand and an ice cream bar at the store.
