It was a short day for us, all we had to do was to climb Standing Indian Mountain and head to the shelter we would have hit other day.  8.5 miles to Carter Gap Shelter from Deep Gap with just a mountain in between us, easy day.  The four of us headed out each at their own pace, Brad Funhouse, Charles Togo, my brother and I all parted ways up the mountain.  Kevin and I refreshed from our zero day took to setting a decent pace, making a little more than 2 miles an hour we crossed back and forth up the mountain side.

There wasn’t really much of anything to see as we hiked and I found myself lost in thought as we trudged along. I wondered how everyone was doing, what everyone else was up too.  Kevin and I usually pass the time by getting on each others case for a few miles or so.  I have found that by the end of the day I’m just too tired to write so when I am in the mood I try to get it all done.  You know I was kind of expecting a ton of time to think and get lost in my thoughts, but it isn’t the case so far. When we have hard climbs I don’t get lost in thought,I just cease to think entirely. Miles go by and I’m not even there at all. I’m not sure if I prefer this or the letter but it is what it is right now.

Climbing the mountain through the thick vegetation we were treated with any unbelievable view of the country side.  If I could camp on a mountain top in the late summer with no clouds, wind, or rain, Standing Indian would be it. It’s secluded with the vegetation at the summit and it has one amazing view right in front of you.  Truly a place to revisit, just as Tray Mountain is as well.  Kevin and I took a five minute break snapping a few pictures and just taking in the sights.  These views are definitely worth the climb.

Heading down the mountain, we pass Togo and Funhouse on the trail. They must have taken a break somewhere and passed us while we were taking pictures. Wait a second who is that they are hiking with? RPG!!!! Kevin and I were so excited to see him. The last time we saw him, he was staying at Muskrat Creek Shelter during the flooding to wait it out. You know it never ceases to amaze me when we run into friends randomly along the trail. It is always refreshing to see familiar faces as we hike.

Cruising out the last few miles we make it to the shelter just before 6 pm.  Cooking eating dinner we were tired, we hiked 8 miles with no breaks at the end of the day. Everyone tented tonight, the weather was perfect for it.  Setting up camp I fell right asleep.  There would be no writing that night, just a deep sleep till late morning.  Minus the chipmunk who decided to run across my tent in the early morning, I awoke for nothing.