Priest Mtn (4063'), Tye River and suspension bridge, Campbell Creek Gorge and falls along Mau-Har trail.

Our first order of business after breakfast and packing up camp was the 743-foot ascent of Priest Mtn. from the saddle with Maintop Mtn. The weather was clearing, the mist and fog lifting but it was still a bit damp and very chilly. The distant forests are greening up as the leaves develop. Soon they will be a rich, lush green. The summit provided spectacular views, the tops of nearby mountain ranges still shrouded in clouds or mist.

Enjoying the view from Priest Mountain summit (4063')

Coming down Priest Mtn. was a steep, long, rocky descent to the Tye River Valley. Downhill was very painful on my knees and bothered Brett's feet. We met some day hikers and a runner on their way up the mountain. There was a very pretty stream and falls at Cripple Creek just before the parking area and the Tye River. At the parking area we took a while to bask in the warm sun, dry out some damp clothes, assess our food supply (Here, it was possible to walk or hitch to a store, if necessary.). While resting we met up with Grandad again and talked for a bit. We decided to move on to Maupin Field shelter via the Mau-Har trail. That trail was shorter and steeper, but promised a scenic gorge and waterfalls.

What a beautiful gorge it was; rugged and challenging. We were treated to massive growths of Trillium and other wildflowers, lots of waterfalls and a roaring mountain stream. We would miss the Three Ridges peaks but tomorrow's hike would take us over the Three Ridges Overlook, so we felt our decision was a good one. We really enjoyed the bit of nice weather and the spectacular wild and natural gorge.

At the shelter in the evening we again met up with Grandad and another through hiker, Billy Goat. Grandad was a retired school principal and military historian and very interesting character. Billy Goat was a college age young man, tall and lanky, covering over 20 miles daily. He treated his foot blisters with duct tape and declined our offer of more conventional medical supplies.

"Billy Goat" at Maupin Field shelter

We enjoyed their conversation and company very much. Discussions of fine Scotch whisky created a craving for that or a nice glass of wine with dinner. Neither was available at the moment. Brett and I had arrived at the shelter in time to wash the stench out of our hiking duds and they were strung all over the campsite on clotheslines. A previous shelter occupant(s) had abandoned a bag of candy and dried fruit, a tarp, sterno stove and bed pad. We divvied up the eats and left the rest for others.