It rained fairly hard over night and continued into the morning.  We stayed at the Hostel until it stopped around 11 am. We ate, packed and hit the trail with the Standing Bear, looking on.

On the trail we had a good climb to start the day, going uphill for about 5 miles, eventually coming to a large wind swept field at the top.

We passed by some kind of unmanned radar building at the top that have off a humming noise. (Later found out it was an FAA radar installation)

Every spring and stream we passed was flowing fast and high from the rain the night before

Eventually we made it to Groundhog shelter giving us 8 miles for the day with the late start.

Tomorrow will be a big day as we shoot for our first 20+ mile day on the trail.  The hike to Hot Springs will be about 25 miles!