Royal Lake '04,  Olympic National Park,  Aug 26, 2004 - Aug 27, 2004     page 17 / 49

With the clear skies, I was able to view the great valley. I realized just how impressive it was, with its steep walls, rugged ridges, and calm meadows. It really was quite inspiring.

I returned to the camp a half-hour later to find Tom still asleep in his bag. I retrieved the food from the bear wire and made some cider. I knew the sleeping bag felt good to Tom, but I was anxious to wander higher into the basin, so I woke him. We had some breakfast, gathered some trail food, and re-hung the remaining food in the bear line.