8:00 p.m. Camped along Brush Creek at some not-so-great spots just up from the water. Not ideal, but I think it will work. This camp is around 4,300 feet.

I spent most of the day hiking at around 7,000 ft. It was some beautiful hiking today. I hated coming down off the ridges, but I really couldn't see setting up camp at 2:00 p.m. I could have, but that's a long time to hang out waiting for bedtime. And there was some excellent water at about 6 miles south of Harts Pass.

I had a deer outside my tent door this morning which was pretty cool. She didn't run off right away either. I also saw quite a few thru-hikers going north today. Several were in very tattered clothing. I guess they figure it will last a few more miles to the end.

It will be good to get back into the high country tomorrow even if it means about 3,000 ft. of climbing!