I’m not sure where I’m camped right now, but I hiked for about an hour-and-a-half after leaving Big Lake at 4:00pm. Lots of hikers were there coming in from both directions. While I was there, a light overcast started building and cooled things down for the hike out, but the humidity was a killer.  I’ve got a big, meadow edge spot with a bit of a view to the west. I’m guessing I’m at mile 1991, so I think I hiked about 16 miles today. 

The traverse around Three Finger Jack was spectacular! The north face of the mountain was beautiful. I saw six goats there and lots of cool, clear water running through the lush green meadows. I was a little bit jealous of all that nice water.  When I worked my way around the west face, which was still in the morning shadows, I spotted six more goats lounging about. That traverse was really the highlight of the trip so far. Then the low-lights: back down into the burn. It got quite warm on the trek down to Santiam Pass where I took a nice long break at the picnic table. Then the trek to Big Lake where the day got even warmer. Blah! The huckleberries were really good though. I think it’s about 17 miles to Minnie Scott Springs. I will try to get an early start if it’s not raining.