This morning's hike was sooo pretty. I headed out a little early on my own and saw so many colors of the sky with the moon so bright. The trail was mainly exposed and I saw the site where we would've camped if we kept walking. I kinda wished we did but oh well. Most of our tent sites out here are not scenic, just anywhere we can find a flat spot when we're exhausted. I followed deer prints for several miles. I have yet to see some in this section, I've heard they're everywhere though.

The descent down to Belden was long and steep. I kept my eyes out for poison oak the whole time bc there are lots from here to Oregon. I reached the bottom and signed the trail register and saw lots of friends just a few days ahead. Always sad they're so close yet so far. I walked across some railroad tracks that led to a road. I saw a bunch of camp people set up with port a potties lined up along the road. "What is going on here?" I wondered. I was tempted to use the hand washing station but kept walking. The closer I got to Belden town, the more tents and people I saw. I arrived to the "town" which is just the resort and saw a bunch of vendors and tents set up. There must be some type of festival going on. What a strange place to have one.

I sat down at the patio in front of the restaurant of the resort and called the braatens. They are trail Angels where I sent my packages to. The lady said ranger had already called for our boxes and she would meet us at 10am across the river to pick up. I then met the others on the deck for breakfast. I ordered a ham and cheese omelette and home fries. They were so good! Everyone got their boxes and it took me awhile to organize everything. I finally got the girlfriend leggings Ellie sent me! The look and feel AMAZING. I didn't want to try them on yet since I haven't showered in so long but can't wait when I do! I packed five days. Not sure if it's enough but there's plenty of options to burney if I need more. It was finally lunch time and we ordered burgers. It was ok, not the best but it will suffice my burger craving.

Climbing up in the heat and looking down at the river.

More hippies in weird outfits started pouring in so it was time to leave. It was in the heat of the day and we had a big climb ahead of us. As we were walking out, I see so many people swimming down in the river and I was so jelly. If only. We started the steep uphill climb, exposed for the first five miles. It was 92 degrees and felt like the desert again. Lots of poison oak too. Up and up we go until 8 miles at camp. It's a tight squeeze but we got all our tents to fit. Chester is still on my mind but not sure if I will go in or not. I feel so very dirty and itchy.