Day 146, September 10: Mile 2490 to 2512
Start: Pass Creek - Mile 2490.2
End: Mile 2512.3
Miles: 22.1
Ascent: 4751 | Descent: 4856
The smoke was thick when I woke up and left camp, although it maybe seemed slightly better than the previous day? Indeed, the sky began to clear more and more as the morning progressed, and I saw clear blue sky above, despite the mountains nearby being enveloped in haze. I stopped at a gorgeous lake for a quick breakfast and to filter water, and enjoyed the views while I took the break. I cried a bit as well at the thought of my hike being over soon. It’s strange, how much I absolutely can’t wait for this to be over and to go back to normal life, and at the same time, I am heartbroken at the idea of it ending.
The day’s hiking was beautiful, and I was so happy to get some views not completely shrouded by smoke. Unfortunately, it seemed another new fire started nearby and we watched the plume of smoke grow from a small cloud in the distance to a massive ominous red cloud above by the time we finished lunch all together. The wind was blowing hard all around us, which made me nervous for the conditions overall. Hopefully the fire stays far enough away from us.
We finished the day on a descent back into the forest. The smoke-filled orange light of sunset shone through the trees and was admittedly beautiful. We set up camp near a stream and I fell asleep to the sound of rushing water.