August 22

We camped early tonight because of threatening clouds and because we are far enough ahead of schedule that we have nowhere to be and all day to get there. It's a nice feeling to have that buffer in our time frame. It did rain a little on us just after reaching the 9 mile water cache. We met a few more nobos today we even got trail magic in the form of grapes from one, and word from another is that we might be close to the end of the pack. I'm sure for for the next few weeks I will still see some coming through, however. I was able to make phone calls and we have a room at the Rim Village for tomorrow night and a ride to Klamath Falls Saturday afternoon. I think we'll be able to check in to our room by 4 pm tomorrow even with stopping and taking pictures on the rim for a while. I was trying to get close enough tonight to hike up before sunrise tomorrow, but had to shut down with the rain moving in. If I was by myself I would probably pack up now and get closer before dark because the rain had already let up and I can hear thunder way off past our location.