Woke up and took another soak in the hot springs - there are 6 different pools here all with different temperatures.

Sad to leave such a beautiful place - but also excited for what comes next…

Hiked up and out high up on the edge of the mountains with a view of the river below.

Saw three deer frolicking up on the other side of the valley. They make the climb look easy.

Hot and full sun - the river below feels like it’s taunting us because we can’t reach it (yet).

Crossed a cute bridge high above water still…

Getting closer to civilization - graffiti Mars the giant rocks as we continue hiking.

Eventually we start the decent and end in a graffiti covered dam/spillway - this place has a good echo if you give a good shout!!

So close now to the river again - hike to and through the water to get the the other side for lunch and a break.

Due to the heat and the next section of hiking being fully exposed today is a dunk your short in the river day! The wet shirt cools you for a bit as you hike in the full sun.

After lunch we walk away from the river and start a climb - up up and away!

Winding in and up and out of a new range. Stopping for whatever water appears in the form of creeks and crossings.

Found a spot on a ridge for two tents - setup early as we’re in a bit of a hiking bubble after the hot springs (don’t want to risk having to hike too many more miles due to a shortage of tent sites and too many hikers).

Ate dinner and watched the sunset. Big bright shining moon for company.

Finished reading Dungeon Crawler Carl book #4.

@ 3457 ft elevation