Summerland - Panhandle Gap — Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025

I got around this day to knock off ONE more mile of the WT that my feet have not touched.  I did 12.4 miles total and got further down toward Indian Bar than before.  At 71, I’ve done 86% of it, and almost all of it with day hikes (if that inspires anyone, so be it).

 Bugs were not a problem, I didn’t have to walk on any snow fields, though I could see a few nearby at Panhandle Gap.  Flowers and berries were almost entirely gone (otherwise I would have been back to my vehicle after dark 😉 ).

I met a bunch of great people today who love the park and being out there: a family from Michigan (on their 9^th day on the WT), a couple from Germany who have been coming over here every September to the states to hike since the late 90’s, a couple gals by themselves, and a local gal with a non-local friend who was blown away at how gorgeous Panhandle Gap is!

I appreciate anyone who takes a moment to NOT litter or picks up after someone else in places like this.  The weather was perfect, although a little breezy.  The two bridges of concern on the way to Panhandle Gap were in fine shape.

On a technical note, I used my little battery charger device today to top-off my cell phone during the first couple of miles as I forgot to plug it into my car on the drive up.  That device was a GREAT investment!  I estimate it’s good to charge my cell almost three times, and it’s a little smaller than my cell phone.  I can also use it in a pinch to charge my Garmin device.