Well there was no goat activity last night. Kind of disappointing but at least I got OK sleep. The birds definitely wake up with the sunrise which is at 4:45 AM so I got woken up then but was able to go back to sleep.

I tried to sleep in till eight. I woke up to make breakfast and chatted with some of the other backpackers. They are going up over the Gunsite pass and do not have ice axes. I wish them well and tell them to turn back if they don’t feel good about it. Hopefully I don’t see them later!

They depart and I take some time to paint by the lake. The sun comes out illuminating the waters a magical turquoise blue.

It feels nice to take my time.

What an awesome day! The hike back down to Reynolds Creek went by really fast compared to last night. The 5 miles flew by and I was at camp in no time.

I had the place to myself.

The Professor and Mr.Poppins are joining my permit for this next stretch so I pick the biggest tent site I can find.

I spend the afternoon painting, I wash my feet in the creek.

As the day goes on hikers start to show up!

There are eight other CDT hikers camped at the same campsite as me! And we all have the same permit itinerary! Tonight, then Atlantic to 2 Medicine to East Glacier! So it’s gonna be a lot of fun hiking and getting to know these new people over the next few days.

Tomorrow is a really long day, 25 miles and we’re going over a pass so I’m gonna try to go to bed.

Goodnight!