Started the day with a big breakfast and a resupply at Wal-Mart before being dropped off at the trail. The breakfast and resupply mean hitting the trail around noon on a 90 degree day Thankfully the trail had dried out, with a rare muddy spot here and there.

As I trekked through the heat,  the trail wound into a very nice pine forest and would remain there most of the day. The shade of the towering pines brought some welcome relief from the midday sun.

I walked by a “Rock Garden” on top of a hill. It was an area with large stones jutting out from the ground. Over the years, hikers have piled little rock piles around,  creating the surreal little “garden”

With the heat,  a late start and a couple steep climbs,  I called it a short day and stopped for the night at Minerva Hinchey shelter.