Day 19.4- Forward to Crater Lake!

Wednesday. Day 4.

Start 7:15a. Lo 20. Stop 5:30p. Miles 14.3. Elev 6350.

The solid crust worked to my advantage this morning on the almost flat trail. It was easy to follow by watching the indent in the snow.

Going through the burn on the west slopes of Ruth, Ethel, and Maude was a challenge. The bare slopes were drenched in sun and the surfaces were beginning to wet. Lots of stomping and side stepping. I also learned to walk downhill backwards so my skins could have their full effect. Does anyone else do that?

I didn’t make it to Rim Village, but just before sundown I did get past all the 45 degree side slopes on the ridge running into to the south side of the park.

Union Peak peeking through the trees

The richness of colors and the contrast of trees struck me today

The deceitful beauty of the treacherous slope I just crossed