All us hikers were awake well before sunrise. I opened both flaps on my tent vestibule, cozy and warm. I was laying in the tent, eating breakfast when I snapped this pic. It was a spectacular sight. 

Shortly after sunrise, Peter Pan and several other familiar faces arrived. They had left the shelter somewhere around 3:00am to try to reach Max Patch by sunrise. They were all tired, but thrilled to have made the big event. 

I was ready and off by 8:15. The terrain leaving the bald was in my favor. Five miles of easy cruising.  My legs were churning and my cardio was keeping up. I was powering over the terrain. It was the third day in a row that I’ve felt strong. 

I decided to push for it. I’m in Hot Springs!  My legs powered me 20 miles in eleven hours. Now it’s my feet that are saying WTF. Oh well…they’ll adapt. 

What a great night…the 3B’s…burger, beer, and a real bed. 

Can’t wait for tomorrow…family!