Shadows lengthen across the trail back to Emerald Lake; smoke obscures the east
I move quickly down the trail. My attention is focused mostly at my feet; on loose rock I cannot both sightsee and maintain my balance. Once I drop below the saddle I'm in the mountain's shadow. The temperature drops dramatically; my fleece shirt is no longer too warm. I surf down the loose scree below the saddle and begin to pick my way across the talus field toward Emerald Lake.
It's amazing how quickly evening comes on when you're on the east side of a mountain. The light turns blue, and the mountain goes strangely quiet. By my watch it is only about 4 o'clock, but my body is telling me it's much later. The quick pace is beginning to take a toll on my legs. Climbing a mountain makes one gasp and sweat. But it's the descent that wears blisters and shreds quads.
Smoke continues to thicken in the east. The sky that was a hazy blue a few hours before is now dirty white.