After a fresh reapplication of sunscreen and half of a Complete Cookie, I started descending Big Horn toward Ontario around 12:20pm. It was officially getting hot, but I felt that I still had the water and energy to summit Ontario. Some quick math told me my route up Big Horn had saved me a few miles compared to returning to Ice House Saddle, and I figured my wife would rather I add an hour or so to my hike rather than return on another weekend.

I worked my way through the maze of vegetation and met back up with the main trail. I ran into some familiar faces—folks who went directly to Ontario that I'd passed on the way to Ice House Saddle. There were many old trees reduced to trunks jutting into the hot blue sky, with smaller trees growing in their shadows. I passed the trail that descends directly to the Ice House Saddle via Kelly Camp and continued on.

This stretch of trail felt long—a steady ascent that seemed to go on forever. At last I could see the summit, and I got a fresh burst of energy, and quickly made my way to Ontario Peak. There was one person there getting a few photos, and we were soon joined by a duo who had just officially completed their six pack. We exchanged phones to snap pics of one-another, but I didn't have time to linger. I headed out, the person who had reached Ontario before me just behind. They were planning to head up Big Horn before calling it a day, and soon passed me (running the downhills).

I hit the Kelly Camp junction and descended quickly. This stretch of trail went fast, and I was soon at Ice House Saddle. I took a few sips from my hydration pack and it went dry. Not great–was thirsty anyway. I didn't waste any time and headed down the Canyon trail. I saw many familiar faces and reported back about my day. Eventually I met a man with a neon hi-vis hat and woman with a Braves cap on, and they offered me a spare bottle of water. Love this community. I promised to pay it forward and continued on ahead.

When I finally reached my Jeep it was 3pm. I headed off, busted wheel and all, 3 peaks richer. 5 peaks down, one to go.