Bradley Frk—7.8 pd, Hughes Rdg—2.2 pd, AT—5.3 n, Balsom Mtn—5.8 n & 2. pd, Beech Gap I--2.5 n (25.6 mi. total)

Today’s hike at 25.6 mi. was my longest hike on record; 13.8 were “new” trail miles for me. Got up at 4:20, John Kennerly & Judy Collins picked me up at Atlanta Bread at 5:25, we picked up BZ Lane ~6:30 at Sugarlands, and reached the trailhead at Smokemont ~7:30.

We reached the AT by Pecks Corner and had lunch at the latter; Bradley Fork had 2,800 ft of gain and Hughes Ridge had an additional 500 ft of gain. When we reached the AT we were at ~5,500 ft. Not surprisingly the first 10 miles were the most strenuous.

The AT was both up and down until we reached Balsam Mtn Trail (by Tricorner Knob the elevation was ~6,000 ft); most of the pictures were taken in this section. In the first picture you'll see my fellow hikers--BZ, John, & Judy.

By the time we reached Beach Gap I, there was ~500 ft. decline. Beech Gap I declined ~3,100 ft. at our terminus (Balsam Mtn. Rd.). I arrived at Balsam Mtn. Rd (Round Bottom) 11 hrs. 36 min. after starting (not much daylight left). Judy’s husband John was there; I had hustled so that I would have time to ice my knee. John provided me with a cold beer; the latter really hit the spot (& of course helped my knee). When everyone else arrived, we departed and John returned BZ, John K. & me to John’s car at Smokemont. That drive took at least an hour for we had to take a very circuitous route that took us out of the Park, through Cherokee, back into the Park, and up to Smokemont. I arrived home at 10:10 p.m.