Day 2 Mile 8 to Lake Morena

We camped a little less than a mile from some off trail water so we slack packed down to the pond in the morning. The pond was pretty clean and it wasn’t too difficult to get to a spot where we could get water to filter. The night before we had discussed camping here but I’m glad we didn’t because there was an incredibly loud wind mill that was screeching the whole time and I can only imagine how annoying that would have been to sleep near.

Back at camp Jake made some oatmeal for us to share. We packed up and were on our way to Lake Morena!

It was cool and cloudy to start our day which was perfect. We were just cruising after my coffee kicked in and ended up passing a few other hikers before we got down to Hauser Creek. We ate lunch at the “Creek”…I guess there is water here but I didn’t see it and we luckily didn’t need to fill up before we made the big climb out. This climb is infamously brutal during the midday heat but we lucked out with more clouds and a cool breeze. We came into Lake Morena around 4:30 and were promptly greeted by “Magic Man” a trail angel who was handing out drinks and twinkies. Jake and I both had a beer and stayed for a chat, thanks magic man!

Staying at the campground made it easy for us to find a tent spot. We set up quickly so we could get to the malt shop in town to grab dinner. A BLT and Chicken fingers hit the spot.

We didn’t last long after eating and chatting for a while with a hiker from Missouri who’s having some shoe issues. “Legend” happened to stop by and steal some of that guys pizza when he was in the bathroom.

I didn’t sleep the best as the ground was pretty hard and I was struggling to find a good position but I was super warm in my quilt. We were also surrounded by walruses…I mean snoring men who sounded like a whole lot of walruses. Oh well, onwards we will go!