Dismal Falls, Deer on trail, Flat Top and Pearis Mts, Sugar Run Mt.

I took down my tent, ate my delicious burger for breakfast, crossed the suspension bridge and hit the trail. I took the side trip to the very pretty Dismal Falls and was tempted to take a dip, but it was early in the day. The trail crossed many open areas and horse trails. As it followed Dismal Creek up the foothills. It was easy hiking but very warm and humid. Just before reaching Wapiti Shelter at the base of Sugar Run I succumbed to the temptation of sparkling water rushing over the rocks, took all my clothes off and went skinny dipping. Wow - was that water cold and refreshing! I soaped myself and washed a couple of things then put my clean hiking clothes on to dry as I wore them.

At Wapiti Shelter I got water and met a couple of southbounders breaking for lunch. I studied the map and realized I had quite a grunt of a climb ahead of me - especially in this 80 degree heat. I could go for another dip, but I had mountains to climb - and a very steep 1500 foot climb ahead of me that wasn't going to get done by thinking about it. Flat Top and Pearis Mountains were nearly 4000 feet high with a 500 foot drop in the gap between them.

It was a hell of a grunt in this heat. I was carrying extra water because of the heat but still I had to conserve and resist drinking all I wanted. On the way up a whitetail deer posed for me, not the least bit concerned about my presence. Just below the ridge a trickle of spring water seeped out from underneath a rock. I drank all the water I wanted and replaced it with the treated spring water and washed my head and face in the cool water. On the ridge, a reward waited. An overlook provided a spectacular view back along the ridge I just hiked, across the valley to Pearisburg and along the ridge atop Pearis Mountain. Though hazy, it was inspiring. It always is, when you can see where you have been and where you are going on a hike. I was really looking forward to Pearisburg.

Sugar Run Mountain ridge from the overlook. The trail climbs up the far side (left, center) and follows the ridge.

At the second overlook Moto, Coach, Silver Nipples and I took each others pictures. I arrived at Doc's Knob shelter at 6:45 PM.