Woke up to about 22 degrees and a 30mph wind that drove us into single digits. The cold wind caught us off guard a bit. Not in a dangerous way though, more of a “I don’t want to get out of the sleeping bag” kind of way.

For breakfast, I tried out a new concept, a bagel with peanut butter and pre cooked bacon.

Once we got going, we passed through Bald Ridge. It was windswept and cold, but its always nice to add a touch of color to the hike.  The woods can be a little grey this time of year.

Halfway through the day, the trail went through a stretch of private land, with a staircase to take us over the barbed wire fence. Lucky for us, the field was vacant (not sure if it was too early in the year for cows, or if they learned how to use the stairs, and escaped).

We found a little hostel later in the day and bought 10in personal pizzas cooked over a grill, a beer and a can of pop for just $6.

It helped fuel us to the top of Sugarloaf Gap. We set up near Hogback ridge shelter and settled in for another windy cold night.  Can’t wait for warmer temps!