(Daily Mi: 9.4) Met a Georgia couple southbounding with their pooch from ME near the trailhead first thing. They head out while I find a couple of more reasons to procrastinate.

Humid hike. Some nice views back down into the valley on the way up. Glad I have my filter when I reach the shelter. Just makes it about 100% easier to get silt-free water from the increasingly shallow and leaf filled streambeds.

Someone has left a collection of the most recent gossip rags (Enquirer, Star et al.) by the register in the shelter. A surprisingly pleasant diversion.

In by myself. Cook dinner early. Feel lazy.<br />