Today was great. After making a quick trip downtown for a grocery/coffee shop breakfast, I got a $5 ride out of town from someone at the hostel with Amigo, Sleeping Bag, Shameless, and Mud Flap. I wound up ditching Mellow and Smiles, but it made sense to take the available ride.
The hiking was really nice today. We were kind of slackers but it was fun. We stopped for "lunch" at the first water we encountered about 11 miles from the car. While we were eating, we met a couple of back packers who were responsible for the delightful cooler of beverages we found at the trail head on our way into Etna. Definitely appreciated, and we actually added some sodas we'd bought in town this morning. It never hurts to pay a little magic forward out here! Shortly after leaving the creek where we had lunch, we stumbled upon a delightful lake and we couldn't resist stopping for a swim. Unplanned breaks are the best!
The last few miles of the day were spectacular. I arrived in a bit later than usual (after 9) but got to enjoy a beautiful sunset from a ridge top. I was above a huge valley and could only see layer after layer of mountains in the distance. It made me think of the view of the Hoh Valley from High Divide in the Olympics. It was definitely an evening to remember.
We're about 32 miles south of Seiad Valley. There is a 6.5 mile walk into town. Ick! The current plan is to camp at the beginning of the road walk tomorrow night and then knock out the road Friday morning. The 6.5 miles should be just enough to work up a HUGE appetite for pancakes. I'm hoping we'll catch Nugs and the rest of that group in Seiad Valley.
Off to bed!
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