I slept medium last night. It was hot and didn’t cool off enough to sleep until late in the night, and woke up slowly about 7ish. In the morning I found my friend Wolfblitzer protecting me in the night.

I spent 45 minutes filling water and taking pictures after a morning smoke and then another 45 minutes packing and eating breakfast including some late mayapples before heading up the hill.

I spent an hour and ten minutes climbing switchbacks.

Found at least half a dozen false summits.

Met a young friendly snake who posed for a pic before succumbing to snack time next to a tree that did not die gracefully.

I still hadn’t reached the true top. But I did witness the impossible.

Stopped at the audie Murphy monument for a snack and a lecture.

True to my name I found a four leaf clover.

Met Grouch on the way down, and another person from Georgia too busy to stop.

Made it down to a Craigs Creek for a protein shake and pushups. I found mushrooms along the way.

I got a bit turned around at craigs creek. There are many washout that look like trails. Forks in the trail with no blazes. Rerouts that lead nowhere.

Eventually I was off trail but I bushwhacked over 3 ridges to get back on the trail. I’m supposed to be lost on trail not lost off trail.

Went up to Niday for water and more push ups. Me and a friend discussed bugs.

I cameled at niday planning to get more water .7 up at cabin branch but was denied. It’s that time of year.

I found the eastern continental divide trail and a pretty view. Along with rocks and thorns and sandy boulders that even vibram soles don’t grip.

Staggered 7 miles over sheer rocks in 90 degrees with not a drop to drink; a fools errand.

The path was super brutal. Very rocky and rough and overgrown thorns clawing at me. In a few places I had to mountain climb instead of hike. The 4 mile ridge walk took me 3.5 hours. I may have seen traces of an ancient American pyramid.

Eventually made it to Sarvers Hollow, legs cramping, feet throbbing, and a cloud of noseeums following me. I got water, drank 1.5 liters at the second spring. Water was very cool and I got a chill. Went back to the shelter snapping a few pics along the way of the old settlement.

Really impressive mortarless masonry on these old chimneys.

In years past I found crab apples on the ridge. Not so this time.

I ate supper in near darkness and made my log entry. So tired. So hurt. Tomorrow will be interesting.