July 22nd, 2024
Mile Marker: 815.4
Miles Hiked: 31
This morning was spectacular. We woke up around 6 AM and caught a glimpse of a beautiful sunrise.
As we headed out early around 7:15 AM, we quickly realized this area, called Harkness Lakes, is stunning.
There is one larger lake that we did not go to surrounded by a lot of smaller lakes that we walked through.
With the sunrise and calm air, it was magical. I was in awe.
Then the trail took us through a lush green valley and strong deep streams.
The terrain was easy on us this morning and Journey and I flew. It felt nice to be able to move quickly and put down the miles.
Late morning the trail took us up on some ridge views.
Last night I had seen an alternate that would cut off a couple miles. The alternate was actually the old CDT. I was curious about doing it just for the fact of figuring out how to do one of these copious alternates mentioned but once I got to the intersection, I ended up taking the wrong way anyways. So instead of a straight shoot to the lake, we went gradually around it.
However, maybe red line is better anywho as it had great views and we were able to cross a raging creek to wash off and resupply water. Everything happens for a reason. We also saw two section hikers going NOBO here, the only two we saw all day!
We then stopped at the lake for a quick lunch. Both Journey and I could have stayed at this spot for a while especially since we were way ahead on time but, the flies wouldn’t let us be so we kept moving.
That we did all day. We didn’t take breaks much outside of emptying our shoes or refilling our water. We had a carry from the lake 14 miles to the next creek, meaning we carried close to 3 liters: 6 extra pounds. 🫣
We then climbed some more and got out on ridge views. Some rain came down on us then and again later but all passed quickly and didn’t get us too wet. It stayed overcast for the hottest part of the day which we were very grateful for. It would have been a much slower day if the sun was shining through.
It’s a strange feeling not seeing anyone else and coming to these wide views with small gravel roads and there’s no one out here. This place almost feels untouched besides the feet of hikers. It’s a strange but lucky place to be.
We decided to plug in our book and help take our minds off the last climb. As the rain came and stopped midway up the climb, the flies came out with a voracious appetite.
It was a constant smacking our legs or using our trekking poles to smack them off and try not to trip ourselves.
The further we got into the last ridge the worse they got and… the trail disappeared so we had to look at our phones, watch the bumpy grassy hill we were on, and smack away flies.
For most of it, I felt like I could keep my cool but occasionally I just wanted to yell. Why won’t they stop!!!
We cruised along the valley and had amazing water sources the whole way. We moved quickly and found a tent site via comments on the app. I was feeling dubious since the comment was from 2022, but we found it thank goodness.
There are some dead trees around so I’m hopeful that the big lives ones above us will protect us if anything falls. 🫣
Journey also found a nice broom to sweep up before we set the tent down to help avoid holes.
We went down the trail a little and had a nice dinner without too many bugs attacking us. Thank goodness for our rain suits!
Long long day. I didn’t feel tired until we stopped and now my body is so ready for rest.
Night night.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 