Night 4, Hobbit Forest

With Andy's friend Forest, and Michael. We shut 'er down at 4 p.m. rather than march through Skolai Pass in a howling headwind (this is winter, after all, and that is Skolai Pass).

In '99, Andy and I were camped in gnarled willows 10 feet behind where I now sit on my backpack. This patch of Hobbit woods is the only protection for miles ahead, filled with jogging ptarmigan. Back then, Andy and I were babes in the woods, having a campfire here before stumbling through the pass. Ten years later, two new friends. 

Woke early in Solo Mountain cabin, after a night sharing the wood-plank bunk with Forest, Michael on the floor. Fired the wood stove this morning, and it thawed our frozen bindings despite the missing cabin window. Found the trail down to White River, along with painted skulls and moose antlers. Funnest downhill of the trip. 

Made good time to here over some of the prettiest terrain of the trip (crossing of Lime Creek lovely, as usual). 

To my delight, Forest suggested shuttin' 'er down here, and Michael concurred. All that's left is to enjoy the view!