July 10th, 2024
Mike Marker: 571
Miles Hiked: 27
We woke up earlier around 6 AM and decided to get around. We made breakfast near the lake and watched the sun rise behind the mountains. The mosquitos were out early and we stayed in our rain gear so we wouldn’t be eaten alive.
It was beautiful though and warm and I was loving the views and relaxing morning. No matter what time we seem to get ready, we always roll out around 8.
We started with a big climb, one of five for the day. The trail led us up Storm Pass and it was breathtaking. We also felt strong in our legs for the first time since starting which was a really great feeling.
We spent a good chunk of the morning taking pictures of flowers and using Journey’s flower app to see what they were called. It felt like we were slowing down and that was a good thing.
We stayed along the ridge for a bit then dipped down into the forest, then came up again for the second climb. It turned out to be the motto for all our climbs today.
Up high with a view and then down low in the trees. The second climb was up rainbow mountain and proved spectacular views.
Third was cutaway pass where we decided to have lunch. It was high and the wind could give us a short break from the mosquitos.
The fourth climb brought us to Warren Lake that was gorgeous but shallow and the mosquitos were outrageous so unfortunately we kept moving.
The fourth climb was by far the hardest and I felt like a slug. It was mid afternoon, the heat was blasting, and the climb was steep switch backs. Okay, maybe not full trail legs just yet.
Our last climb was up to rainbow pass and we decided to eat dinner here with hopes to have the wind cut back the mosquitos. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and the mosquitos ate us up, especially Journey. Even while we hike he continuously gets eaten alive which can be very mentally challenging. We will have to pick up some bug spray in town. 🫣
We made it to Johnson Lake and the end of our first map!! Wild!
The Belgium couple we met in Elliston is here and we decided to camp next to them since it’s late and we didn’t want to spend time looking.
They let us know there is a deer that will eat and grab anything sweaty so we have to bring everything inside tonight. Good thing our tent is spacious! The deer is super cute and very curious, not afraid of us at all. I almost wanted to try and pet it. 🤭
The mosquitos are wild so we didn’t get in the lake which is always a bummer. Our tent has been our savior today by allowing us to decompress away from them! I have forgotten just how frustrating mosquitos can be.
Long long day and massive elevation, our bodies are very exhausted. Hope for some sleep!
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 