I'm really tired so I will make this a short entry.

Dan is finished with his short trip so he dropped Will and us two off at the Gap. Hurricane winds greeted us. Within moments my pack's rainfly blew off. Big thanks to Dan for retrieving it. At least the winds died down in the trees.

Here is where I fell asleep.

Quickly we arrived arrived at Birch Glen Camp 2.7 miles away. Karen and I stayed to eat leftover pizza and lighten my pack. Will moved on to the next shelter since he is planning on a big day. When we thought about it we realized that we didn't have much time either. We headed to the next shelter and reunited with Will. Would it be the last time?

Then came a surprising adventure in the ascent of Burnt Rock Mountain. I took lots of photos and movies here. Clouds tore across the upper mountain where exposed rock snaked through stunted trees to the summit. I thought it a brilliant time, but Karen had problems with the strong wind and the wet slabs. She was on hands and knees at times.

After Burnt Rock was a hike that went on and on. Even though it was less than four miles, it dragged on past dark. Finishing at Montclair Glen Lodge was a relief. Will's presence was an unexpected surprise. We couldn't chat long though because he left for an all-nighter over Camels Hump. Let me repeat that. Will left into a storm at like 20:30.