June 4, 2025
‘Red line’ mile marker 547.4 to 569.2
Hiked today: 21.8 miles / 35.1 km

Last night, just after we had finished dinner and got comfortable in the tent, the storm started with lightning and thunder followed by steady rain that continued through the night. The tent held up quite well but a few things got wet. Nevertheless we were up and walking soon after 6 am. The sky was cloudy but there was no sign of rain through the morning. The land is noticeably greener with new grass and other plants springing up and a lovely crop of purple irises bordered the early morning path.

We started  along a narrow track which was gravelly and stable but later we joined a dirt road which we navigated cautiously to avoid slipping over or sliding into puddles. It was slower going and frustrating.

Around 2.30 the wind blew up, we heard distant thunder and felt the first spots of rain. Expecting a repeat of last night, we retreated to a stand of conifers to look for a temporary tent spot. In the process, Rob walked into a branch and got a nasty long laceration to his forehead. It has been cleaned with betadine, and I am hoping the fixomull will hold it nicely together – with his hat on to give a little firm pressure.

The rain stopped and even the sun came out for a bit, so we packed up and walked another three and a half miles to a good campsite.