On July 27, Bethani’s sisters Hannah and Willa joined (aka sponsored) us for a side adventure to South Sister, the third highest peak in Oregon. The trail climbs 5000 feet in five miles, with panoramic views at the top. Yes, please!

We hit the trail around 2 pm, passing bunches of descending hikers and feeling bulky with our big backpacks. We reached Teardrop Lake, a beautiful glacial tarn just over halfway, with plenty of daylight. No big deal!

Then came the cinder cone. Imagine a horrible gameshow that promises you prize cash for climbing on a Stairmaster covered in Wiffle Balls for 4 hours. Then, take away the prize cash and TV game, throw in some dust and a lot of wind, and call it a trail; South Sister!

Our efforts to reach the top were well rewarded, with sunset views in all directions, a “deluxe” sheltered campsite that we dubbed The Latrine (because by the smell, someone before us must have decided that’s what it was), and Martinelli’s and Hannah’s delicious homemade cheesecake to celebrate our ascent.

After sunrise and a return to sleeping bags to warm up/nap, our descent was barely faster than the climb. All in all, a super adventure!