FYI…I’ve decided to post my daily trail miles in the heading. I track it. So I thought it might be useful. 

My rest day in Damascus was enjoyable. But it’s time to continue forward. I walked to the other side of town and stopped at Mojo’s.  Fresh coffee and a hot breakfast. They offered a spin on the breakfast burrito. A breakfast quesadilla. It was delicious. 

The long range forecast is calling for rain and dropping temperatures on Thursday. It was the discussion among all hikers at the diner. 

I reached the targeted shelter by 3:30 in the afternoon. Way too early to stop hiking. Unfortunately, the trail was up. A big climb. Another hiker, Hunter, and I decided we had the legs to conquer the climb. 

It was long and difficult. But we made it. The view was awesome!  Plus we were ahead of the rain. 

My campsite is near the summit of Whitetop Mountain. It’s cold and windy. Really windy!  But it is very pretty. 

Hopefully the winds will diminish and the stars shine bright. 

Regardless…I’ll sleep well.