July 28

Distance: 20.6 | Ascent: 3800′ | Descent: 4400′

Mile marker: 480.3

Lunch: A&J – tuna salad (B+ & B)

Dinner: J – mac n cheese (A-), A – spicy mac (B)

We got off to an earlyish start to finish climbing our hill we started last night. The trail was very well shaded which helped as it heated up. We picked more huckleberries and some thimble berries as we walked along. Eventually, we came to a good view of Mount Hood.

We made it down the otherside and to Panther Creek for lunch. We stuck our feet into the cold water while we ate. Another 5 miles later we stopped for our last water for the day; a steep climb was next and a dry camp at the top. About 2000′ of today’s ascent was in the last 4.3 miles.

Tomorrow is supposed to be hotter with a longer water carry up an equally steep hill. We’re planning to get an early start to beat the heat as much as possible.