We were off to an early start at around 6:00 AM.  Gaucho left first (as usual) and I left about 30 minutes later.  I only went about a mile before encountering Gaucho on a ridge having breakfast, so I sat with him and we watched the sun rise.

I was heading down some switchbacks when I slipped on the little round ball bearing rocks that make up the trail.  I landed flat on my butt and managed to pull something in the right butt cheek.  Now it hurts whenever I go uphill.  Sigh.

Later I managed to do the exact same thing a second time, but this time the landing was softer and there was no damage.  I came to find out later that Gaucho also fell twice today because of the same round rocks. We are walking through decomposed volcanics.  I’ve also seen some big chunks of obsidian as well.

We descended to Aldous Lake where several locals were enjoying a swim.  After the Aldous Lake Trailhead, we started a very long climb back up to the ridge.  We are currently camped at 8400 feet.  Tomorrow we ascend to 9500 feet, and then it’s all downhill.  We start the Macs Inn Alternate tomorrow after 15 miles.

It was quite warm today and the flies were the usual nuisance.  Maybe not quite as bad as before, but bad enough to make you not want to stop.  The mosquitoes seem to be increasing though. I didn’t see Gaucho much today since I was out front the entire time. I also took a shortcut by bushwhacking over the top of a steep ridge that shaved a mile off. I messed around a lot in the afternoon and Gaucho finally caught up with me. 

We are camped together on a ridge near some trees. My spot is a bit small and crowded in between some fallen logs and long grass. It isn’t very flat but there are some fantastic views here and we are ready to stop. Gaucho is a short ways away in the sloping meadow. Good night!