The hike from Summerland to Nickel Creek is harder than it looks on the map.  While mainly downhill it still takes a lot out of you.

The wild flowers were awesome as well.  At Sunrise we picked up a National Park Service wild flower brochure.  During the hike down we were able to identify 29 different varieties.  Not only were the flowers excellent but also the views were breathtaking.

We camped next to a couple that we nicknamed the "Go-Lite" couple.  They had hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail and were fanatic about lightweight gear.  They slept under a homemade trap, used fallen limbs for support and had very light sleeping bags.  When talking with them we smelled their one luxury item - whiskey (which they did not share with us)!  Unfortunately for them - the forecast for the next 7 days was rain.  We are not convinced that they stayed dry under just the tarp.

Log Bridge
On the trail from Summerland to Panhandle Gap.

View from Panhandle Gap
You can see Mt. Adams in the background.

Mt. Rainier
Carl  distracting from the view of Mt. Rainier