The hike up to that point had been lovely. Steep ups, misty old growth forest, freedom for Tinkham. All the while, I was getting wetter and wetter. My shoes were waterproof, but when the water runs down your legs it doesn't matter.

I met a father and son that had traveled from Florida for the hike. Really? The forest is nice and amazing, but if I were coming from across the country I'd have chosen a destination less in the woods. I hope they had a good time in spite of the rain. I suppose they're used to it, but probably not the elevation gain.

I am used to the gain and the rain, but even I have my limits. I wasn't keen on the lake enough to wade through the creek and climb another thousand feet with soaked shoes. Tink would have done it. She's far more hardcore than I. Plus, she doesn't even wear shoes.