According to ancient folklore as remembered by Stephanie, confirmed by geologist, and grossly misrepresented by Alex, Lake Crescent, seen behind us, was formed when the gods were having a boulder throwing fight. That is all... It was a gorgeous climb, on a gorgeous days, with gorgeous people. The trees were as wide as 3 of us linking arms or feet to make it around. In fact one of them was so large and so out of the Hobbit that it nearly swallowed us whole!

The morning started off spectacularly with us sleeping in until 8 or 9. We were fed breakfast by our lovely hostess that consisted of bacon, eggs, and toast with homemade jam. Yum! Then Kate sent us off with fried chicken hard boiled eggs and cheese to make our hike go from great to perfect.

Though Stephanie got us lost on the way to the hike, it gave us the chance to discover the Elwa river, which looked like it could have bears fishing for salmon on the banks! So we dipped our toes in it to our giddy delight. Though a salmon definitely didn't jump out of the water, kiss Stephanie, turn into a prince, kiss me, and turn back into a fish, it was still a magical experience.

When we finally got to the right place, Stephanie pet the requisite number of dogs, made friends with almost every group we passed by, and brought up great philosophical quandries for Promise and me to contemplate, weigh in on, and discuss. I love her for all of this!

The climb was steep, look at how badass Promise, our shuttler, inspirerer, and best of all friend, looks right before the steep part with ropes to reach the top:

Stephanie wanted everyone to know that I'm terrible at cut out picture face things, but I proved her wrong by being doubly safe (2 helmets!) and super cute, so I guess we all win. Our first day was so varied in transit forms! A cab, a plane, a train, a ferry, a car, and a llama! And only one of those wasn't utilized by the both of us... Promise met us and shuttled us through delicious food to our first of many delightful hosts... Kate! Pictured here below with Stephanie:

My bike is nearly ready, my gear is nearly layed out, and I've nearly caught up to Stephanie. Thank the gods she's the brains of this operation!
~Alex