Chief Lake - Edison Trail Junction

We knew today was going to be a relatively easy day, so we took our time getting up. I think we got out of the tent at 7:20 - a record for lateness! It was really nice to sleep in. When we hit the trail, we finished the steep Silver Pass. The green butterflies that Matt like were abundant. It's fun hiking above the tree line.

By 11am we hit Silver Lake, where we had decided to stop and do some laundry. Because we usually don't get to camp until 4 or 5, it's too late to do laundry if we want the sun to dry the clothes. So a midday lake is perfect, especially when we have a light mileage day. If you have done laundry while backpacking before, you know it is exceedingly frustrating. You can't get any soap in your "source" water, so we fill a gallon bag with soapy water and a gallon bag with rinsing water. The water gets dirty fast (the trail is dusty!) so you have to refill/change the water often. It isn't very efficient, but it does the job.

After a LONG (over two hours) laundry and lunch break, we hit the trail again. Mostly downhill today, but nice vistas every once in a while. You can definitely tell it is no longer the weekend. WAY less people hiking. We're camped right under the start of the climb up Bear Ridge, at a really nice campsite. Tomorrow we have 13 miles and 3000 feet to climb. Ouch!

[Lucy]
Miles: 7.4
Total: 87.6