Day 3 - Another day of ups and downs

Start Time: 7:00 am
End Time: 6:42 pm
Start Mileage: 2485.80
End Mileage: 2497.90
Distance Walked: 12.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 3035 feet
Descent: 2251 feet

We were up and on the trail by 7:00 am, and the trail was waiting for us with a bit of a climb. It was nothing we couldn’t handle as it wasn’t a steep climb, plus we were in the shade. We had coffee before leaving but decided to have breakfast down the trail in a couple of hours. That way we could try and knock some miles out. We had a nice pace going but after about 30 minutes we hit a major roadblock in the form of our first blowdown of the day—and it was a doozy. Not one but three trees had come down together. We stopped and pondered for a minute or two when Woody noticed someone had bushwhacked down and around the tree and climbed up the other side. It was certainly easier than it first appeared.

No sooner did we clear this hurdle when another presented itself. Just like the first one, we climbed down but had to come back up to the front of the tree before pushing our bags underneath and then crawling after them. A short while later we came to our third blowdown of the day, although this was a little easier to navigate. It was looking like it was going to be a long day. What had started out as a leisurely walk was turning into a bit of a marathon!!

And shortly thereafter, we were faced with our first major climb of the day, which consisted of switchback after switchback. We eventually made it to the top and found a spot for breakfast, and then we were off again. This time the trail was flat, and then suddenly we started to go down. After the trials and tribulations of the blowdowns and the big climb, it was refreshing. We were also sheltered somewhat in the trees, as it was extremely hot in the open.

As we were close to the bottom of our descent, we met a young hiker who grew up in Washington but was now living in Oregon, as he was attending veterinary college and had just completed his first year of school. He joined us for lunch and we had a very enjoyable visit.

After lunch we had a formidable climb ahead of us and off we set at around 1:45 pm. We were navigating a series of switchbacks that wound their way through a beautiful forest, but there was no relenting in the climb. It was merciless!!

Due to the heat, we stopped for numerous water breaks, which were very welcome. But we were always cognizant that we couldn’t dawdle too long, as the trail wouldn’t walk itself!! (I picked this saying up from Dan). Up we got and restarted our climb—it was relentless. Our next goal was SallyAnn Lake and we were within 1.2 miles of the lake, but it seemed like 5 miles. We eventually made it.

We had another 1.2 miles to reach our final campsite for the day, but this included another 350 feet in elevation gain and so we devised a plan. Huckleberry wanted to take a dip in the lake, and so Woody and I decided to have an early dinner. That way, I wouldn’t be late putting my blog together when we finally reached camp.

Normally, when reaching camp, we pitch our tents, inflate our mattresses, and set our sleeping bags out. Then we cook dinner and eat. The problem I then have is having to write my blog, and so I’m normally the last one to settle down to sleep. I thought having dinner early would help—but it didn’t. As I get ready to type this, it’s 8:40 and both Huckleberry and Woody are hunkered down in their tents, ready to sleep.

Tonight’s meal consisted of Peak Refuel Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli. I don’t believe I added enough water, but it was still very tasty. I’m sure once I have the right consistency it will be excellent. I will update you further on all the meals as I go, but so far so good. (This last line about my dinner was added at 3:00 am, after I had climbed out of my tent for a bathroom break. It dawned on me I hadn’t updated you on last night’s dinner.)

In closing, I would add I was so tired last night I was asleep within 5 minutes of climbing into my sleeping bag and slept right through to about 5:15 or soexcept for a bathroom break at around 2:45 am.

Well, I’ve almost completed my blog tonight and should be snuggled up in my sleeping bag by about 9:45 pm.