Another fabulous day on the trail. Woke up and met the Mad Professor who had been asleep when I got into the shelter. Then I packed up and was on the trail by 7am. Weather was partly sunny and cool in the 60’s-70’s. That’s just perfect for hiking.

I walked by myself for 13 miles today before getting to the modern triple-deck Bryant Ridge Shelter. 4 hikers were there having lunch: Wildcat (thru), and his son El Blanco (section), Old Fhart (’90 thru, now section) and Condor (thru). The last time I saw Condor was the first week of this trip, 700 miles prior!

The hike was pretty tough with about 6,000 ft of vertical gain over 23+ miles. I flew and got into the shelter around 6:30 after passing the FAA tower on the summit of Apple Orchard Mountain.

I’m here tonight with Wildcat, El Blanco & Condor. We split the beer I carted in for Cinco de Mayo and hung out around a fire, enjoying the quiet evening. The full moon is rising now and I’m looking forward to 16, 18 and 2 mile days before my pickup at 10:30 on Saturday morning.

The tough miles for the week are done. Time to enjoy! 2½ days ’til my break…