Day 131, August 26: Mile 2251 to 2276

• Start: Lava Spring - Mile 2250.5

• End: Mile 2276.1

• Miles: 25.6

• Ascent: 4747 | Descent: 2772

I woke up in the dark and started hiking at am as my group and I were planning to cover almost 26 miles for the day. The morning was relaxed, though I did spook something large in the bushes. I didn’t see it and guessed it was a deer, or maybe an elk? I think it had hooves so I don’t think it was a bear.

Sometime in the morning, my friends caught up to me and we had a breakfast break together. I was in better spirits because my foot was not hurting as much today.

I kept hiking on, and met lady leading a group of llamas with a trekking company. It was a funny surprise.

Later on, I climbed out of the trees and the views started getting better and better. I climbed up towards Cispus Pass, and the views towards the top were unbelievable, Sierra-level beauty. I was so happy to have good views again after walking through a green tunnel of trees for a few days in a row. At the top of the pass, I got a tiny bit of service and was able to call my best friend Sofia to wish her a happy birthday!

The group descended from the pass and the three of them were faster, but Cathole waited for me at the next water source, a beautiful little waterfall. We hiked on together, with only a few miles to camp.

As we made it to camp, the sky had gotten increasingly gray and fog was rolling in. I picked a tent spot that was flat but not tucked away in the trees like my friends’, and I started to regret my decision as we ate dinner and the wind and rain picked up. Hopefully I don’t get blown away tonight or wake up drenched!