Journal Entries

Big thunderstorm last night, and I'm so glad to be leaving that campsite. My tent was poorly placed, so even without the storm, I barely slept. But the morning started well with lovely scenery and quick hiking.

The last miles were beautiful, but a zombie march as we drained the last of our energy for the day. Camping on the slopes above Europe Lake. The mosquitoes are now reaching Maine-in-June levels. This means war.

Picnicking with @loon in San Mateo county, California.

A detour from Skurka's route, so that we could stop by my favorite place from last year's NOLS course. We had afternoon tea at Halls Lake, then continued on.

Our good friend @loon had a multi-hour layover in SFO en route from Japan to Salt Lake City to attend Outdoor Retailer. We met and hiked with @loon on the Appalachian Trail in 2014, he is one of a few really good friends we made while on that journey. Though our visit was brief, it was so nice to see him again. We can't wait to make a trip to Japan and visit him in his cozy mountain cabin.

Looking back toward Sentry Peak Pass from halfway along the 2-mile long Middle Fork Lake. Looks ominous, but we only got hit with a little drizzle.

A quick ascent up Sentry Peak Pass, running from what seemed like thunderstorms. On the other side of the pass, views for miles. We descended the first 800 or so feet by glissading down the snowy slope.

The descent to Bonneville Basin was longer and harder than expected. The lake at the bottom was so mirror-like that at first I didn't even realize I was looking at it.

Lots of snow walking up to the pass, but it went remarkably quickly. This is the closest experience I've had to my 2010 PCT Sierra hiking.

An early start with off-trail navigation up to Raid Peak Pass. Clouds came and went all day, but we were lucky enough to avoid any real rain.