We took another break when we reached a distinguishable trail marker after hiking over four miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. This image encapsulates the disappointment and weariness of my backpacking comrades felt when the trail marker informed us we had almost two more miles (and another 1,500 feet of elevation) to go before we would arrive to our destination: Franklin Lakes. At least we felt a sense of what we already accomplished as we looked down the lush valley from where we started.