Wednesday, 20 August

Start Cedar Lakes #1 Lean To – MM 64.4
End West Lake #2 Lean To – MM 58.1

Daily Miles: 6.3
Trip Miles: 16.1

It was a little warmer last night, forty nine for the low but it started raining after eleven and rained all night.

I awoke before sunrise. As it began to get light I packed everything inside my tent. I woke Bob on my way to the lean to. I told him my plan – carry everything to the lean to so we have a dry place for breakfast and to pack. Bob’s tent had some water and the bottom of his sleeping bag got wet.

After breakfast we had a short debate about whether to start hiking or see if the rain stopped. Plan was to hike to a lean to and hope the sun comes out to dry things a little. On with rain jackets and rain skirts and we were off before 8:30. The rain did not stop until noon.

Most of the trail was ups and downs. We passed three northbound hikers who warned us about the trail ahead. When Bob and I neared Mud Lake there was a sign that the trail was under water and to follow the reroute. It seemed half the reroute was under water. We hopped from rock to rock, balanced on logs, and stepped through mud. When we finally found a place to cross the stream we had to refind the trail and bushwacked a bit.

When Bob and I reached our destination, West Lake #1 Lean To, it was full with hikers staying the night. Our choices were a lean to back up the trail and off trail 0,2 miles or ahead another mile and a half. In either case we were hoping for an empty shelter. We decided on the closer, West #2 Lean To.

After passing a couple of folks staying at the first stop we arrived at 1:30. No one here so we had lunch and settled in trying to dry things a bit. No sun and 53 degrees.

It started to rain again. Nothing is really drying. Bob and I have discussed lots of options depending on the weather, shelter availability and fishing opportunities. We are close to the lake but fishing from shore would be tough. Let’s hope for the best in the morning.