The other guys took off early this morning.  I got a late start of 8AM.   With the goal today of ~20 miles there is no need to rush.  Snapped a pic of the site before I left. 

Although today is a low mileage day, there is going to be a ton of climbs and descents.   5k total.  The sky was clear and there were plenty of open areas to take in the view of nearby mountains. 

 

 

This morning I rediscovered why I should get up earlier in the morning.   It was 80+ degrees by 10:00 which normally would not be a problem.  100% humidity is.  I was covered in sweat regardless of how much I dialed back my pace.   Just one of those days.   By mid-day I had a nice outline of salt forming on my shirt that followed the straps of my pack.   The Salty hat was also earning another growth ring.

   

Spent most of the late morning / early afternoon trying to find a lunch spot that met my criteria: No bugs and shade.   Spent a couple hours finding one.  Finally I crossed some scree and found a hole to crawl into beneath a big bolder.  Got to take what I can get.

 

Made it to Lake Sally Ann around 6. 

There are hikers all around here.  Couple of nice ladies were setup right next to the lake and all spread out for a long stay.     Found Major setup in a nice single spot looking all comfortable.  He just got back from a swim in the lake.   Patches had arrived a few minutes before and setup on the North side.   I found my spot near him and setup.   

It turns out that the good state of Washington has dug a nice pit toilet here and put a wooden box on top with a lid.   I give it a try.   While taking care of my business I had a 180 view of the valley and the trail leading up.   Saw a couple hikers on their way up.   They got a nice view of me on the toilet.   Everybody wins. 

Since I got into camp a little earlier than usual, I decided to do something with my collection of huckleberries stored in an empty Gatorade bottle.  I boiled up half-liter of water, dropped my berries in there, then furiously poked and smashed them all up with a spork.   After a couple more reheats and stirs, poured the mash back into my Gatorade bottle.   Yum.   If I had a sugar packet or two this mix would be over-the-top delicious. 

 

Got to sleep early.  Sally treats her guests well.