Tiger 3 at 2 mph: my second Rainier . . . almost

The sight that told me I had trekked 2.2 miles from the trailhead

No time today to do the hike to the viewpoint of Tiger 3. I have an appointment in the late afternoon, and I have to get back early to avoid the northbound crush on I-5. So I decided to hike to the 2.2 mile turnaround, descend, and visit the homeless camp briefly before heading back. But today I came within 700 feet of my next major milestone -- my second Rainier. Mount Rainier's summit is 14,411 feet above sea level -- unless rising sea levels have changed that figure. To date I have ascended 28,130 feet this calendar year.

It rained steadily during the first part of the hike and I wore my Outdoor Outfitters rain pants and a light raincoat. I slipped on a padded garment to keep warm, and in my enthusiasm to get started, forgot my backpack, including the 10 essentials and my water and lunch. But I remembered the hang tag, at least! And the rain pants had to add a little bit of resistance.,

I set off at 9:40 a.m. from the car and made it to the 2.2 mark at 11 a.m. By 12:10 p.m I was back at the car. Two and a half hours to walk 4.4-5 miles.

I had to stop a couple times to wring out my balaclava headband. When I wadded and squeezed it, water flowed out a couple times. And a couple times I felt cramps in the back of my legs, so as soon as I reached the car I hydrated.

Today's statistics

Distance: 4.4 miles, 7 km
Load: 0 pounds
Elevation gain: At least 1,000 feet

Stats for year to date:
Distance: 331.8 km
Elevation Gain: 28,130 feet