I woke this morning around 7 and headed out to get some delicious bagels at The Little Shop of Bagels. I had two lox bagels with the works. I went to do some laundry and then came back to meet up with Planner and Thankful. I sorted food and got ready to head out. I thought it through and for time sake I decided to shuttle to Fish Lake, where I’d left off with friends a couple years ago. It was 55 miles ahead and would put me in a good place to get ahead of the group even more when I head home for the service. The hope is I’m ahead of them enough that they meet up with me when I’m back. I’ll have to be off for 5 days so we shall see.

I got to the trail around 2:30 and headed up. We had a “climb” but I was wondering the whole time when it would start. It was so gradual and nice. My feet hurt from the weight of my pack but otherwise the hiking was easy. I didn’t see a single hiker for hours. I got to a water 11 miles in and decided to camp even though it was only 6pm. The next water was 11 miles and I read there was a lot of bear activity at the next several campsites. So I stayed and chatted with some section hikers.

I made ramen that I couldn’t finish and then set up for bed. I’m going to attempt to do 38 to Mazama Village tomorrow. I’m so glad to be in Oregon.