July 15

Distance today: 18.8 miles

Mile marker: 238.1

We’re getting faster packing up camp. We’re also sleeping past our alarm. Combined, we’re starting our hike at around the same time every day.

Trail was cruisey and not too rocky. We powered for the first 6 miles with no interruptions.

The river we crossed had a great pool for swimming. We spent an hour and half rinsing and ridding ourselves of accumulating sweat/dust layers

Our only climb of the day was next. In the map there was a viewpoint at exactly midway up. This was our decided lunch spot, and we counted the seven switchbacks up. Jason had spaghetti with sausage TVP (A) and Alex had chili and rice (B+).

At the top of the ridge were spectacular views of alpine landscape with lakes and wildflowers.

Then great views of the sun setting behind the next ridgeline with a huge waterfall centered in the valley.

Then we descended into the valley and setup camp near the stream.  Surprisingly very few mosquitos bothered us during dinner. Jason had Jambalaya (A-) and Alex had Thanksgiving dinner surprise (A).

Another hiker warned us of a river ford tomorrow morning. We called in a weather report to make sure we’d have dry weather tomorrow so we can plan on hanging out by the river again.