The country feels more wild as we descend Willow Creek, and the Sweetwater River canyon has a very remote feel. It’s a great change of scenery, but the uneven terrain on the banks is hard on Pete’s knee. At first we cross the river reluctantly, but soon do so whenever convenient. It’s usually only thigh deep, but fairly swift.

After lunch Pete’s knee freezes, and he has to spend ten minutes working it out before hoisting the pack. Luckily it loosens up, and we’re able to finish the river section and return to road travel through sagebrush. Our best tent option for the night is the bottom of an old ditch that looks like it hasn’t run in a long time.