We took off early this morning knowing it was going to get warm once we got to Eagle Creek. This was the stretch of trail I did with Matt over a month ago when it was 100+ degrees, and I had no desire to repeat anything close to that. The first mile and a half descended steeply but wasn’t too bad. Somewhere after that it turned into the steepest trail we’ve seen yet. It was slow going but still faster than the longer alternate we opted to skip. The trail surface was powdery dirt which didn’t have great traction. Blue Lizard decided to take the safe approach and dirt glissaded. I’m not even sure that was a thing before, but it is now. I have to say it went surprisingly well except for ripping a hole in her shorts.
The rest of the hike went well as we passed the waterfalls this stretch is known for. It warmed up into the 80’s before we finished but was nowhere near as hot as last time. Once we got to the trailhead I kept going while everyone else waited for David to pick them up. It was 3 miles from the trailhead to Cascade Locks, and I didn’t want to leave a short stretch that I’d have to pickup later. It was an easy 3 miles into town where we met at an ice cream shop.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening hanging out with the Daleys. We got dinner at the brewery again and then headed back to the park, picking up more beer on the way. We visited until after dark, knowing this was the last time we’d see each other on this trip as they were headed home the next morning. We said our goodbyes which were the first of the trip and left us feeling a little empty.
Emge Adventures 
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