DAY OF…

1. MOVING GOALPOSTS

Some days feel like the Hiking Gods are moving the goalposts. Or like I’m on a treadmill going nowhere fast. Today was one of those days. Maybe it was the 3,000 foot climb up to Mount Sterling, the highest point on the trail. I don’t know. I just know I was glad to see the world’s ricketiest fire tower at the end of it.

Yeah, I climbed it, stepping over the loose and missing boards on the way up.

2. A RARE VIEW

I’ve said it before, the BMT has its charms, but views, for the most part, are not one of them. But if you’re hiking NOBO, you’ll get treated here at the end of your hike. And you don’t necessarily have to risk your life going up the shaky fire tower. (I did. But I didn’t dare let go to snap a picture.)

Peek through the trees from the safety of terra firma.

3. MORE BEARS, DOING THEIR THANG

I know, there’s only one in the video. After she ran, I spotted two cubs up a tree and beat a retreat lest she get pissed and eat me like that other guy this summer in the Smokies.

UPDATE: He died of a meth overdose and he was poaching ginseng. Asshole. I’m definitely sad for the bear they euthanized.