Today was a race to the finish: the takeout beach is small, and we have 17 boats (between 3 groups) that all need to be there. Thankfully, our group was a) closer and b) faster, so we should have good odds at getting there first.

We had breakfast at 6am and pushed off as soon as people had eaten. We wound up hitting the boat beach at 7:30am (for reference, the outfitter is supposed to meet us there at 9:00am)

And we were the only ones there. Let the derigging commence!

We were fully derigged and ready to load at 8:07 -- that has be to some kind of record.

Unfortunately, the gear truck didn't show up until 10:00am (they said the Indians weren't letting people down the road yet).

Oh well, we got everything loaded super fast and began the 22-mile slog up the road to the picnic area at the top for lunch.

While we were having lunch and sharing stories and enjoying cell service again, the cutest stray puppy ever came up and said hello.

What an awesome adventure.

To answer the question I get all the time: yes, I'll be going again as soon as I win another permit -- for the fourth time.