Today we left Sultan and headed down the road to McDonalds for an egg McMuffin, one of my favorites. Thank goodness I got my protein because after we went through the town called Startup, we started up a very high hill into the mountains! It was lovely along the way which I did see a lot of since I was going so slow. We did have a fun downhill and came across a river where we met a bunch of Climbers who scale the granite cliffs in Index, Wa. I guess these cliffs are known nationwide for their special granite and great climbing.
Further down the road in Index we stopped at the Adventure company who had a group of rafters heading out to ride the river and film their adventure for advertising. We met the owner, Kathy of the company and she and her husband are restoring the old Bush hotel and turning it into a place for events and weddings.
After Index we headed up again surrounded by cliffs and Snow capped mountains. Very beautiful ! We arrived in Skykomish in the early afternoon and enjoyed our lunch at a picnic area by the river. We toured the small town after lunch. The Pacific Crest Trail runs 16 miles away from the town but hiker angels” who are volunteers drive 
the hikers to the town for food and a good nights sleep in the hotel. There is also 2 train tracks right through town and across from our hotel. I think I should wear ear plugs to bed.. oh well !