It was a beautiful morning, I’ve gotten used to waking up with the woods in the morning. Some hikers get up early before daylight and pack up and get started. Instead I like to let the woods wake up as the sun rises. The birds start chirping, Squirrels start rustling in the leaves looking for food. It’s an enjoyable way to start the day.

The hike was long today. It was a good day for a longer hike. There was a lot of ridge line hiking IT’s glorious walking down the spine of a mountain, the views are pretty good despite the ever present clouds. I can see the NOC below us. It’s amazing to look back and see how far I’ve come. I’m getting stronger, I’m getting my hiker legs under me. I felt good when I arrived to the shelter. It was good to take off my pack, but I knew I was capable of bigger miles.