The hostel breakfast is starting to feel pretty routine, we had some burritos and we were on the trail by 8 am.
Stumbled upon the SOT VORTAC on top of Snowbird Peak. Someday I’ll get back to flying and navigating by those instead of finding them on the trail. For now, life is good and these are just fun reminders.
There was a lot of elevation gain today and right when we needed it the most some trail magic appeared. Monarch and Ron from Little Rock were cooking burgers and hot dogs and handing out fruit and soda. It was only another mile further and we’d arrived at the summit of Max Patch.
This place is really amazing. It’s a giant bald that gives epic 360 deg views. A few hikers from years past (Krazy Korean, Wet Sticks, and Woodpile) hiked in hot dogs and beers for everyone.
There was hacky sack and a lot of general good cheer around camp tonight, everything . came together to make this one of the more fun nights out on the trial. Even though we had 20+ buzzed hikers we all had the presence of mind to kill the music and settle in for the show before the sun went down. It was eerie calm, perfectly clear, and it was a gorgeous sunset.
Folks are still standing around telling stories but I’m headed to bed. I’ve left one side of the tent pulled open, I’m hoping to wake up in the middle of the night and see some epic stars.
Day 27 Mileage: 13.6 mi [Standing Bear Farm -> Max Patch]
Total Mileage: 263.2 mi
Total Mileage: 263.2 mi