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Started late from Jenny Knob Shelter; first goal of the day was Dismal Falls about 6.5 miles out. Day/hiking felt sluggish. Probably the heat/humidity. The falls were great; went for a quick dip in the pool below the falls. Quite cold, exquisitely refreshing. Washed the salt out of the hiking clothes and relaxed a bit

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Lost Torch today, he didn’t make it to camp last night and didn’t catch up today. Quick miles to Brushy Mountain Outpost, a diner right on trail. Made for good motivation. Got a bacon cheeseburger, chocolate/mint ice cream, soft drinks. Stayed there for like 2 hours. After that more easy ridgeline walking to Jenny Knob

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Broke down camp early and started the day with the climb up Chestnut Knob. Weather started out wet and foggy. The shelter up there is one of the sturdier ones, made completely out of stone and with a door to boot. Weather cleared up while we were up there. Very nice views of the valley.

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Got up early and took an 8 AM shuttle back to trail. Trail conditions were quite muddy all day, but the sun did come out eventually. Got to the quarter of the way marker today. Did 20 miles, crossed an overflowing bridge, and forded a creek (bridge got washed out years ago). Wasn’t as bad

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Started the day in cool, steady rain. Fast hiking keeps one warm though. Cleared up after an hour or two. Streams were high, crossing them did result in wet feet. Hiked to the Settler Museum just out of Atkins, where we got picked up for the ride into Marion/the hostel. Bought a rain skirt and

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