Today was a day of many firsts … the first day I hiked the red mile  … the first day I swam in a glacial lake … the first day I climbed under a sheet of packed, melting snow …  the first day I hiked out in my high waisted panties …  I LOVE THIS STATE!  We did end up meeting a super friendly guy in the parking lot at the trailhead the night we arrived.  He had hoped to summit the next day, after having had a few prior attempts.  Apparently this was the perfect timing to get this hike in with the most ideal conditions!  I'm not sure that guy made it but he did end up inspiring the most amazing dinner EVER on our “fancy night out” into Bend!