It snowed during the night and dropped to freezing. Whilst I was fine with this some of the group expressed reservations about continuing, and I could see their point since our information was sketchy and it was still snowing, with possibly more weather coming in. Moreover we were scheduled to climb to 7000’+ so likely deeper snow.

So the collective decision was to return to the Highway and make our way to Olallie Lake, some 50 miles up the trail, where we knew for sure the conditions were acceptable to everyone.

It turned out a hitch was difficult, but after maybe an hour we struck lucky, with Ali not only picking us up but offering a night to stay! Ali and her husband Rick were incredibly kind, fed us burgers and gave us a nice place to stay in their guest cabin.