March 3rd, 2010

Alea and Brian dropped me at the trailhead, 15 miles east of Lake Quinault following the river to the end of the road. From here its a steady hike 13.5 miles to the Enchanted Valley Chateau. It been my plan to hike the full way in, but the day has been slow and I've been forced to set camp about 3 miles for the valley because its getting dark and batteries are running low. Its been a gorgeous day though following the river and high edges overlooking the gushing meltwater coming off the mountain tops I see further in. Bones along the way are signs I'm not alone out here, despite of seeing little animal and no human life. The area i home to elk, cougars and bears. Food has been hung high before falling asleep.