Now firmly into the Cascades the day rightly began with another nearly 2,000ft climb but today’s challenge seemed certain to be the increase of smoke in the air. The temps were also still hoving around 95 but luckily today’s route was intentionally planned as a shorter one to help provide some needed recovery. A welcomed descent down the west side of Loup Loup pass quickly deposited us into the small town of Twisp where the heavenly Blue Star Coffee shop awaited. After a few cups (and some more scones) the day took a turn for the worse when we reached the post office in Winthrop. It seems the postmaster there was unfamiliar with the acronym ETA and returned what was our largest package to date to Lake City CO just days before our arrival. Luckily, at out final destiation for the day in Mazama there was a Mountain Suppliers store with just about everything we needed to help us complete our mission. With smoke now overtaking the narrow valley we opted for a room at the Mazama Inn and hoped the morning would bring better conditions for our final big ascent on the North Cascades Hwy the following day.