August 5th

2186-2220

Overnight a massive lightning storm passed through. Safely tucked in our tent, rain battered against the fabric above our faces and lightning frequently flashed. In the morning we awoke to blue skies. The only evidence of the storm is the dry patch of land where our tent was set up. We worry about the fires that this storm may have sparked. The last storm that ran through like this sparked hundreds of fires throughout northern California and southern Oregon.

With every climb, we get glimpses of the surrounding volcanoes- Mt. Hood, St Helens, and Mt. Adams

The forest is lush, and dark, and it feels like a living organism. Throughout much of California and Oregon it felt like we were walking through dead forests- burnt trees, few animals, and a limited diversity of trees.

We walk 34 miles, and it feels routine and fairly easy.

I celebrate by eating 2 protein pucks for dinner.

yum yum.