The Last Miles

As we dropped into Park Meadow, we had some more spectacular views of Broken Top.  We also came across some pack horses as they were seeing how far they could make it in before hitting snow and downed logs.

Below Park Meadow, it was staggering to see the difference as we entered the burn area.  Looking one way, it looked like a forest.

Looking the other way, an apocalypse.

The final miles were hot and exhausting as we largely had to climb out from Snow Creek, and the dusty grind through the burn offered little relief from the sun.  Hiking through an ash pit was something we'd never done before;  it was also stunning to recognize the difference between life and death - and how desolate we are without  life-giving powers and grace.