The big thing today was Max Patch, which is a quite exposed bald with excellent views all around.

Made it there by noon and way before the weather finally turned bad. Very windy on top. Has a slight Black Forest vibe. Shame they closed it down for camping.

The shelter we’d liked to stay at was already occupied, so we decided to go on further and camp on Bluff Mountain. Every mile today is one less to Hot Springs tomorrow.

Decided not to camp on top, but went on down several hundred feet to get out of the worst of the rain tonight.

Thunderstorm started right as I set up my tent and got me soaking wet. Constant rain since then. First stress test for the tent in rain/wind. Right now it’s kinda cozy in here; let’s see how this goes.

Tomorrow a short day into Hot Springs, where a hostel bed is waiting for us.

Album of the day: High & Hungrig 3.

More: Chipmunks, who are very much not shy animals, ramen dinner in the vestibule.