Perfect timing..

Miles: 0.8 mile approach trail + 9.98 miles
Start time: 7:47am
End time: 2:15pm
High / Avg / Low temp: 67.1F / 57.6F / 51.6F
Relative Humidity Avg: 38.7%
Injuries: few more blisters and scuff marks, par for the course, matt has sunburn..such a mystery

This morning was lovely, big clear skies, cool breeze, warming sun beams, and zero hikers left in the camp ground.. We clearly are back of the bus when it comes to start times and this morning was like a personal best for us being on our way by 7:30ish, it is what we planned though, knowing we are only enduring 11 miles and have a cozy bed waiting for us at the end.

Our hiking started with that lovely 0.8 mile approach trail exiting the campground, which was worth it, never pass up a toilet seat.. We then continued the path north and followed it for five miles where we took a break, I found a way to tuck under a shurb and get a bit of a lay down in the shade, and it did feel a lil cold, today's temps were like 30 degrees less than the other days, not sure if it's just elevation changes or related to all three severe storms we heard about when we got into the cabin today, which brings us to perfect timing, there are some serious winds kicking up, 50-80 mph gusts which is not to be sneezed at, so while we seek shelter the other hikers we saw heading out have to hope there tent poles survive the abuse tonight, those poor son's of good news everyone they will haves a head start on us tomorrow, except we are staying here and taking a zero, it seemed fortuitous that rough weather rolled in while we are taking rest and mending our weary bodies

We had the usual critters out in force, with the addition of bees, and as we approached the end of our hike we got a few miles of pine forest which smelt awesome, and a totally different experience than the last few days which has been mostly small shurbs, rocks, and sand. We were both pretty excited, and it did put a small spring in our step for a while which was totally needed, our poor office feet are not accustomed to long days hiking with 30lbs

I'd say though we are in very good spirits with no significant wear and tear, the minor blisters and such are not slowing us down yet, which is all we can ask, I however have to respect the sun a lil more, is been the most sun I've seen in years and while I try to cover up this wonderful tan I have doesn't cut it in the slightest, I'll get better at it though, today I was loving the breeze and didn't use my sun umbrella as I go faster when using hiking poles, oops