Day 17
Starting location: Brink Shelter
Ending location: Rutherford Shelter
Mileage today: 15 miles
Total Mileage: 189.3 miles
Today’s Photo

The story behind this photo ...
Since we nearly died of heat exhaustion yesterday afternoon, we planned ahead to wake up at 5:30 am and got on the trail at 6:15 am. It was already 62 degrees out. Also planning on doing 15 miles or 4 more than yesterday.
I love the trail this early in the morning. So peaceful and quiet. Saw a few garter snakes and more toads. The downside of leaving first thing in the morning is web walking. Were you clear all the webs with your face that was created during the night. Not fun at all. Lol.


Found some more flowers in bloom and even some coyote scat (actually a lot of that!). Good thing we didn’t hear them during the night.



We made it up to the top of sunrise mountain and found this awesome pavilion that we thanked the Lord for providing. The shade and beeze felt amazing! We didn’t plan on taking a break here but we easily changed our mind. Great views too.

We came to our second fire tower. There was someone up there so the boys didn’t climb the stairs.

Stayed at this shelter for lunch. No water source here. Not the greatest shelter in our opinion. The boys had PB&J’s again. Still not getting tired of them yet. lol. Oreos and fruit.

Made it to the shelter around 3 pm (had to walk an extra 0.5 miles to get to the shelter. Ugh.), and got some water and mattress blown up. Boys working on journaling then time for LoTR audible book. No signal out here.
Trying for 17 miles tomorrow but not sure we can do it. High 87 with possible storms. Might find a hostel around the 12 mile mark. Will see
Night.
Gandalf, Legolas & Bombadil.


























