July Trek; Day Five; Camp Handy to Trailhead

July 5, 2016

The final day of our five-day adventure dawned with a quiet tranquility. It was a peace that can only be experienced in the woods. I lay in my tent as long as I felt was allowable, breathing in the crisp mountain air and expelling the last vestiges of stress from my daily life. The river called to me and for a moment I felt it as it cleansed my spirit - a calm washed over me and a long eluded serenity filled my soul. Life was good.



Morning view from my tent



After our breakfast, we busied ourselves with what had become a morning routine, then donned our packs for the last time. As I walked about camp, I found an owl feather - which I took as a sign of my mother's presence. There was more laughter and chatter than there had been the past few days. Although everyone was enjoying the trip, we were all glad to be heading home where hot Epsom salt baths were calling. Well rested and energized by the knowledge that we would soon be home, we took leave of camp and headed on down the trail.  

The final leg of our journey would take us along a familiar section of the Upper Dungeness River trail out to the trailhead. This was the perfect trail on which to finish our journey. With only 600 ft of elevation to descend, all in lush old-growth forest, it felt like a simple stroll through the woods. Our weary bodies appreciated the easier terrain and lighter pace of the day. We rambled past Dogwood (Bunchberry), blossoming Thimbleberries and lush ferns growing along the nearby river.

Oh, and the river! It was, in a word, resplendent. Always one to impress, the Upper Dungeness didn't disappoint. The trail carried us along its banks, where we were treated again and again to its beauty. It bounced and tumbled over the boulders in its bed, crystal clear in places, and turquoise blue in others. We crossed it twice on log footbridges and the dogs were such pros now they didn't falter or pause in their crossing. The weather threatened rain, but there under the forest canopy we felt only an occasional drop come through. It was a relaxing hike.

Before we knew it we had arrived at the trailhead. From there it was a short walk to the parking area where we had left our car ... and the vault toilet. It truly is the little things that bring us joy.

We had survived. This was my longest backpack trip, and it was Evie's first. Although I had labored under the weight of my pack, I can't say I ever truly struggled. My hips, knees and back ached at each day's end, but had held up to the load and served me well. Looking back over our journey we can feel pride in our accomplishments. We had ventured outside of comfort zones, tested skills, rallied against physical limitations and pushed beyond endurance levels. We stared in awe at glorious peaks and ridges, marveled at massive old growth trees and come face-to-face with mountain goats. We crossed snow fields, trekked across alpine meadows and climbed a mountain. We found peace, strength and friendship.

"Climb the Mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."  - John Muir




All packed and ready to hit the trail

Hike 35:52

Distance 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain (Loss): -600'