Starting Point: Little Laurel Shelter (294.8)

Ending Point: Flint Mountain Shelter (308.8)

Total miles: 14.0 miles

Steps: 35,608

Injuries: None

Achievements: *** 300 Miles ***, I Scaled Big Butt — I Cannot Lie, White Rock Cliff, Blackstaff Cliff, Big Firescald Knob, Big Butt Mountain

I was curious, but my wife has given me strict instructions not to put myself in a compromising position.  As she says, “do not allow you ego to exceed your ability”.  I gave it a wide birth and kept Big Butt in focus.

It was rocky and a hard climb, but it really didn’t have much of chance.  I scaled it.  At the top I celebrated.  As I did, Captain Blogger hiked past me.  She looked at me with a face that said “what are you?  A six year old?”

So, I sent a text to my family.  Especially my son.  He’ll appreciate my accomplishment.

For the final part of the hike, as we walked on the edge, the weather was completely different to the east and to the west.  These two pictures were taken from the exact same spot and time.  I just turned 180 degrees.

As you can see, one side was sunny and warm.  The other was cold and damp.  Eventually the trail turned, but to the cold and damp.

We finished 14 strong miles.  I reached the shelter just as thunder started to roar. Now there are a bunch of us enjoying the thunderstorm dry in a shelter.