August 17

Distance: 24.6 miles | Ascent: 3100′ | Descent: 2850′

Mile marker: 876.8

Lunch: J – jambalaya (A+), A – spaghetti (A+)

Dinner: J&A – coconut carrot dahl (B+, A)

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Today was remarkably difficult. We both just felt tired. Perhaps it was the overcast sky, but the day seemed to just drag on. Or perhaps it was because the coffee was missing from the last resupply box. Something must’ve happened when we were packing them and accidentally missed this box. We’ll have to go cold turkey on our caffeine addiction, at least for a few days (Alex did snag a coffee sachet from the hiker box in Crater Lake for emergencies).

The day started unexpectedly: frogs. The trail was covered with tiny frogs who were too scared or too slow to really jump out of the way. We were playing hopscotch to avoid stepping on them. And, we were 100% successful. No frogs were trodded on.

After the tiny frogs subsided, we saw an adult frog. Probably the same species as the tiny ones. He just managed to hop higher up the mountain.

We got water at a creek before a 600′, 1 mile climb. Thankfully, maybe, the clouds kept it cool but hid the view on the other side.

The clouds parted just enough at times to give us some sun and some sights.

After the climb down, the trail was fairly uneventful. We had flat-ish ground and decent cloud cover. We took a break to munch on some huckleberries lining the trail.

We set up camp near a pond just off the main PCT. We were by ourselves, which is always nice after a long day – no neighbors shuffling around in their tents. Considering all camping gear is basically a plastic bag, it’s not quiet when people get unpacked or shift in their sleeping bag. Hopefully, we will get a good night’s rest and we won’t even miss the coffee tomorrow.