Excerpts from pages 179

AWAKE TO A FANTASTIC MORNING with the birdsong saturating the warm air and clear blue permeating the sky above. What a great day it is to be alive and here on the mountain!

It is still early this morning but get right to work; fill my water bottles, pack up all my gear and then begin the climb along the series of massive stones called the Devils Racecourse heading back up to the ridge. Once on top, the path proceeds a short distance along the ridgeline to Wilson Gap lean-to and here stop for lunch.

After a long walk upon this ridge, the path finally leads myself down off the ridge to cross the bridge over the Potomac River and enter into Maryland. Then, my walk continues down river to check in to the American Youth Hostel, which has the best rate thus far on the AT, only $2.50 for the night.