Toonman, Bears Den
It was a hard hike up to Sam Moore Shelter from the gap. Lots of PUDs, especially after Rod Hollow (S). Really, between that and the heat, made for a long day.
Finally had dinner at Sam Moore to myself. Nice shelter, save for the hornets nest on the S entrance. They keep to their side, I'll keep to mine. Stayed for a nap until I was pretty certain the clouds overhead wouldn't dump. Hard to second guess Mother Nature. She so likes to fool you when you least need it.
So at 8, I made the decision to hike on to the Bears Den. Just two more hills for a total of seven -- approaching the hostel, it was just dark as I made it in. No other hikers all day long until I came around the front lawn where Toon was tented.
Took a shower - oh how nice. Ate a bit and tented out near Toon. We sat at the picnic table planning ahead. Finally settled on hitting Rt 7 in the a.m. for D.C.
This morning, Toon posed playing air-hiking-staff. Leisure breakfast.