Mile 2492-2520 Cascade Crest to Baekos Creek

Walked through mist all morning. Had breakfast about 7 miles in. Our cereal with Nido powdered milk is what motivates us. It's the only powdered whole milk we could find. It's in all Hispanic supermarkets. Lucky Hispanic babies, all other babies must put up with low fat alternatives. Anyhow at our breaks we usually get out the solar panel and charge our phone, batteries etc. There is now no sun, so we have to be frugal with phone and camera use, and it's cold so we have to put on extra layers. 

Passed by Shredder, Pimp Limp, Frosty and Goldilocks, then we saw Double Sprainbow heading South! She, Sharky and Bebo just behind, had encountered a blizzard and had stayed in their tents for 24 hours. The snow was deep, the trail covered and they were running out of food. So, rather than continue into the unknown, they decided to hike back to Stevens Pass. Then Bebo and Sharky told us their tent pole was broken and one of their down sleeping bags had burst open. They may get off the trail. Back in the High Sierras Bebo fell, breaking three ribs, teeth and bit through her lip, got stitched up and continued hiking. For them to consider leaving the trail conditions must have been really bad.

In the afternoon the mist rolled in and out revealing stunning views and making for the most dramatic and wild scenery yet. Mountains dusted with snow, and patches of autumnal color. 

As we climbed higher it got noticeably colder and the ground was white with scattered hail stones, as if a bean bag factory had exploded. Finally, up and over Red Pass we descended into the forest and had to peel off layers as we warmed up. 

We camped near a creek and Tracy built a fire in an attempt to dry out our tent. I tried to dry my shoes and socks. There's nothing like sleeping in the damp with the smell of smoked sock in the air. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow..can't wait to dry things out.