🌜Wiley shelter

The morning routine got a shake-up today when we realized it was only a quick 2 mile hike to arrive at a deli for breakfast and snacks. The store was sparsely stocked with odd products but people seemed to like their breakfast sandwiches.

Midday we took a break at Nuclear Lake. The scene was somewhat ideal- Wild flowers, lush green grass, and a charismatic family of Canadian geese looking for handouts. The name “Nuclear” stuck after a nearby lab experiment ended with plutonium dust peppering the lake and nearby woods. They say the site has been cleaned and cleared for recreational use once 1975 but 🤷 still makes you wonder. The swimming was great and made the afternoon much more comfortable.

The 2nd deli seemed like a potential bust- the menu wasn’t super vegan friendly but the gregarious owner twisted my arm on a veggie delight “I just don’t make bad sandwiches “. Eggplant can be polarizing but it worked here- Marinated in house and fried up on the grill for a warm focal point ultimately served on a fresh Kaiser roll. I was pleasantly surprised. It made for a good early dinner.

More nature sightings throughout the day, including a shy/retreating skunk, baby birds roosted in the shelter beams, and a timid black bear on trail who was getting away from us as fast as he could. Still exciting to witness with a respectful distance.

Mile 1460.1Les mer