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Day 2 (Mon, 7/28).  Mowich Lake to Carbon River (3200 ft elev).   Backpacked 8.10 miles with 2089 ft gain and  1744 ft loss.

a. En route:  Visited Spray Falls.  About  0.30 miles with  135 ft gain/loss
b. Optional side Trips (En Route): Obstruction Point/Observation Rock.    4.5 miles round trip with 2150 ft gain/loss

We got up around 0500 and headed out around 0630.     The starting trail was amazing that it was so wide (like a horse trail) and well used.   Our first visit was the Spray Park with its spectacular water falls.    To take a full photo of the fall, it was tempting to across the water but looked very dicey, so did not bother to cross the water and take a picture.    Next En Route was the Seattle Park.   The place was loaded with avalanche Lilies and some bear grass.

When we arrived at the highest point for the backpacking day,   Bill and I dropped our packs and headed to Observation Rock as a side trip (time spent 1030-1440).   Linda provided us some good direction.    It was class 2 until the steep snow slope (Class 3).    I was ok with it since the snow was soft and I could kick firmly to establish good footings.   Bill opted to avoid the snow and scramble on the rock.    At the Observation Rock,  it was truly spectacular that we could the Mt Rainier so close since we are at 8370 ft elev.   

On the way to Carbon River Camp site,  I was backpacking slow as I felt some fatigue.   Bill was very strong and was long gone (he has been a marathon runner).     I was thinking about myself how lucky I was and able to take off 2 straight weeks.   In the mean time,  I felt bad about leaving my family behind (since I was the only one having great time at that moment).   I also thought about my friends, and siblings who did not have such time offs.    I was thinking that it would be great if I could bring  them on the Wonderland Trail some day.    It will be so much fun and excitement.

I was the last one who arrived at the Carbon River camp site at 1735.  I kept at a slow pace that did not feel pain on  my legs.    The Group camp site was little small but was able to fit 9 tents.   Skeeters were no problem.     Here,  I saw the Bear Pole for the first time.  I have only seen the Bear Wires in the Olympics but the Bear Pole was new to me. 

After dinner,  some of us checked out the Carbon River suspension Bridge.     The bridge was gigantic.   Xxx ft long and about xx wide.   One person at a time due to it's oscillation.    I also witnessed the muddy water due to glacial silt for the first time.

With the mighty sound of Carbon River,  we tuned in early at 2000.   My both legs were tight and tired, but felt great.

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