July 16, 2021 PCT miles 1925.1 -1947.8 PCT miles 22.7

Cool weather and easy terrain. We arrived at our planned destination (Dumbbell Lake) by 12:30. The day began with a short hike through an older fire zone and we then entered the ‘green tunnel’ and passed by at least eight glistening lakes. Water was clear as glass. Because we reached our planned stopping point so early in the day we were tempted to keep hiking and head into Elk Resort for dinner (not freeze dried) because it’s only 6 miles up trail, but we decided against it. We found another gorgeous campsite on Dumbbell Lake instead. We are a day ahead of schedule for our hotel (with real Wi-Fi) in Bend on the 19th. Most hotels are fully booked again, so we have to keep our current reservation. We are competing for rooms with the many summer vacationers.

Camped on the end of a peninsula at the lake. Beautiful! There were very few mosquitoes. So many complaints about mosquitoes on Guthook, but we’ve been very lucky so far. Unfortunately there’s very little local wildlife for entertainment on this lake - except for a single fat squirrel. He is quite bold going after our food and has clearly been successful in the past.

We had hoped Chai and Workhorse would show up, but they must have stopped at another lovely lake. Lots of lakes to choose from in this section of Oregon. Perhaps we will see them at Elk Lake Resort when we stop in for breakfast.