Day one on The Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park. The Trail circumnavigates the mountain on 93 miles of trail. Hikers must file a permit with the date and name each daily campsite reserved. I knew the terrain consisted of many elevation gains and losses. I estimated that campsites roughly 10 miles apart would be right, based on my hiking experience. This itinerary would take 12 days-I was used to 10 day backpack trips in rugged terrain. I chose to start at a less popular trailhead, on the north side at Sunrise Visitor Center. The high elevation (6400ft) meant I wouldn't be climbing or descending too drastically on the first day. The trail did drop to 4788ft before climbing to Mystic Camp (5620ft) at day's end- perfect weather most of the day. Clouds drift serenely over Mt Rainier's north face, top left. A bubbling creek crosses the trail, left, and a marmot chirps at my approach, above. Rain began at Mystic Camp! Rain continued on and off for the next eleven days.