We woke up in the footprint of South Sister above the lake, and started walking at 6:30. We soon came along side a meadow, I noticed these plants that I could identify as paintbrush, but they look different than the other ones I have seen. Indeed it is a new species, the Mountain Indian Paintbrush
This morning we have a another view of Husband Peak from a different angle.
I love the shadow pictures when the sun is out and the ground is open.
Little brother is another Peak that sits just to the north of Middle Sister.
To the left of us in the distance is a valley that is filled with low clouds. It almost looks like a white ocean sitting down below.
North sister has finally made her appearance.
We have entered what is called the Obsidian limited use area. We are required to stay on the trail for the next 2 miles. One of the cool sites in here is Obsidian Falls, immediately followed by this gorgeous meadow with a small creek running through it.
This large lava chunk has very cool surface features on two of its sides. One super flat while the other is very jagged.
July 10 and we’re passing a frozen snowmelt pond!
Mount Washington is the sharp pointed mountain to the left Three Finger Jack is in the middle, and in the background Mount Jefferson is the pointed peak with Snow.
Back to a bunch of blow downs, and then we start walking alongside a lava field, our trail is dirt and trees, and it is separated by a very small valley.
Another good view of North sister.
The trail has crossed the little river valley and led us into the lava field. So we’re climbing switchbacks up and over the lava peak.
Intellectually I know that much of our trail goes over mountains formed by volcanic activity. But you get into a field like this and Oregon is the last thing that comes to mind all I see is Hawaii.
So many of the iconic rocks have interesting shapes and features.
We came to this snow field in the middle of the draw. Pictured are Take Charge and Jelly coming across.
Mount Hood is now visible in the distance.
Mount Washington, three finger jack and mount Jefferson continue to show themselves as we come around bends in the trail.
Another beautiful meadow, with green grass, streams, and wildflowers.
The trail has brought us up and around to the other side of North Sister
We took a brief stop at South Matthew Lake for lunch and water refills. Very peaceful.
We arrived at lava Camp Lake. It is our campsite for tonight. It is a forest service vehicle accessible campground. We actually can sit at a picnic table tonight for dinner. The lake was comfortable and I had another afternoon swim.
Today’s PCT miles hiked 16
Total PCT Miles hiked to date 1441.3
PCT mile marker 1982.6
(Flipped over 542.8 miles)
Cool photos! We can't wait to watch the video on a bigger screen. We really enjoy them
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