September 17

Louis and I hiked 30 miles to our campsite at Middle Fork Feather River. We stopped for lunch with an amazing view at Lookout Rock for an hour, and were done hiking by 6:00 pm. The gnats have been around every time the trail drops below 5,000 ft. since Seiad Valley, and are worse than ever here. It seems like as soon as you start moving, they try to fly in your eyes or in your ear. As soon as you sit down, they go away. I don't know what it is about the moving target, but that seems to be what they want. I'm really happy to have my headnet that allows some relief from the flying creatures. We have camped despite the nasty bugs, and have found the water to be pleasantly warm and great for bathing. It feels great to go to bed clean and refreshed. It's also great to have the sound of rushing water lull you to sleep.