The weather seems stuck in the same pattern. Rain at night, cloudy most of the day, and then briefly clearing in the afternoon. It’s a cycle I can deal with. So far this week, I’ve been free from hiking in the rain.  Plus, the temperatures have been cool.  It’s really quite good hiking weather. 

I crossed my second Interstate today…I-26. It always makes me feel like I am making progress when I cross a highway. Ridiculous. I know. But hey…it’s still forward progress. 

This highway crossing also signaled the big climb of the day. The mission was to summit Big Bald. Climb, climb, climb, and then descend. It just kept going and going. At times, it seemed straight up. Then straight down. It was the climb that would never end. The trail crews must not believe in switchbacks. But I finally made it. There were beautiful 360* views at the summit. 

I pressed on for another few miles. My legs were pretty spent from the climbing. Whistling Gap is a marked campsite, with water. I was glad to have both. My tent is pitched on FLAT ground. So excited!

Tomorrow…I should hit Erwin, TN. Fresh food and a shower. 

And one deep breath through your nose…laundry would be a good idea!