A need for a hike spurred us up the north Steens Loop road, which, in mid-June, was not yet open to the summit. Instead, at Fish Lake, a grader blocked the road entirely and we had to go from there on foot.

We hiked about eight miles into and up a place where spring has not reached yet. At the very bottom of our hike, trees were just pushing out leaves. Further up, merely tight buds. It was like “going back in time,” said Mr. Pencil.

We stopped for a snack of Wheat Thins and dried figs at about 8200 feet, our turnaround point, near Little Blitzen Gorge. Then we realized how sunburned we were getting (we were right) and panicked slightly.

I had lip balm with me that claimed a 15 SPF. Thus we smeared it on the most delicate bits of our faces. You should see me now. I would describe this sunburn as:

• Unflattering
• Embarrassing
• Noticable