6.8 miles, 3200' gain, 1400' descent

Time to pinch myself again. Am I dreaming? Can this be real? SO pretty! The Cowlitz Divide, omg.

Today is all about upwardness. First switchbacking up through woods, then a long ridge ascent with views in all directions as a cloud inversion filled the valleys below us with wispy white. If someone gave me a sailboat, I'm pretty sure I could float across to the various island peaks we see floating in the far distance.

As we drop down from the ridge into the wide valley that's officially called Indian Bar but I think should be more respectfully referred to as Cowlitz Bar, the fog rolls up to meet us. Views disappear, and our tents become soggy with cloud condensation.

What a day. What a place. I am so blessed to get to be here.

While hiking I've been reading the book Martin Marten, by Brian Doyle, and I finished it tonight. Although set on a different Cascade volcano, it's such a vivid and thematically appropriate companion to my trip. Plus just a great book, highly recommended.