Another windy start to our 3-day hike.  Just when you think you’ve seen the most brutal wind yet, it kicks up a notch.  On our first day, we had sustained winds blowing against us at 16 mph.  Our faces were raw at the end.  But Day 2 was 10 degrees warmer and much less windy.  That combined with rolling hills was much more enjoyable.  Day 3 was our biggest challenge in terms of elevation – our highest peak on Route 30 in the Appalachians.  The last 5 miles were a continuous uphill climb at a 9% incline.  It was rough but we completed it and Mike promises that our next big incline is not until the Rockies.  Glad to be done and looking forward to Ohio with its flat expanses.

We’ve changed our format – only taking one beginning and one end photo per three day hike.

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This was our first trip this spring and our first  three-day hike.  Day One was COLD!  Temps in the 20’s, snow showers and a wicked wind blowing against us.  Fortunately, the steep incline and multiple layers kept us warm enough to complete it.   (An unexpected McDonald’s when we took our lunch break also helped,)  Day Two was about 10 degrees warmer and no snow showers, so a more pleasant walk.  Day Three was warmer still (in the 40’s) but drizzling part of the time and the intense wind was back.  The last day started with a two-summit climb but by the end, we were strolling on level ground.  All-in-all, a challenge both weather-wise and elevation-wise.

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