Day 23 (September 8)

Rainy morning. Weighing the pros and cons of a permanent settlement on the shoulder of Mount Yoran, we opt instead to head to the campground at Summit Lake some 10 miles downtrail in the hopes that they'll have a shelter of some sort so we can dry off a bit. Weather's so thick that we hike right past Diamond Peak without even getting a glimpse.

Misty piney little island in Summit Lake

As we approach Summit Lake Campground a sturdy roof appears out of the mist -- sadly it's just an outhouse, no shelters here. My suggestion for a permanent settlement in the outhouse is debated and rejected, and we head to the south end of the lake to make camp. Increasingly difficult to put up a good fight against the water and mud. Our spirits are still water-tight of course -- but for HOW LONG??