South Prairie and Little Huckleberry Trail near Mt. Adams

We were finally able to get back outside after being trapped indoors for the past couple of weeks because of the wild fire smoke. The air wasn't perfectly clear but quality was decent with just a faint smell of smoke during the night (any other time and that would have been quite alarming!). We camped near South Prairie, walked around a lake and checked out parts of a 9000 year old lava flow. After a chilly night of 39 degrees (fall has arrived!) and some rain, we hiked up 2000 feet and had lunch with a great view of the surrounding hills, a glimpse of both Mounts Adams and St. Helens, clouds and... smoke. The somewhat "fresh air" did me so much good! I'm refreshed and ready to face forward again!

2020 Hike 43/52
6.07 miles; 2325 feet elevation gain

Twin Lakes - Mount Hood

Beatrice and I did a casual out and back hike today up to Twin Lakes with our purposefully heavy backpacks (always training for something, right?!). We circled both lakes and even turned onto the PCT for some extra mileage. Great conversation, lots of plans made, and and another awesome day outside!

2020 Hike 42/52
9.31 miles; 1190 feet elevation gain