A late start today but I still made it over the mountain and out of the Park. Last night's campsite was really comfortable. This morning was warm and without wind. I felt very relaxed and took it easy getting on the trail. It was probably the best camp yet.

The hike was good too. I never left tree cover so I had plenty of shade when I wanted it. The trail was usually good with few switchbacks but I had a lot of uphill today ~3,200 ft. The only annoyance were some gnats that kept flying in front of my eyes and landing in my ears and nose. Fortunately I carry a headnet for such occasions.

Manning Camp at 8,000 ft. was nice enough that I wish I could have stayed. There were picnic tables, firewood, fire rings, good water, and even a nice outhouse. Oh and wild turkeys for dinner. Alas I tore myself away from there and finished the hike over the mountain. On the other side Italian Spring was icky but I filtered 2.5 l anyway. Then further down the mountain I found some pools in a streambed and got some more. Temperature near the top was just 55° and there was still some snow on the northern slopes.