James and I had a wonderful long hike back in Henry Coe.  We hiked clockwise on the Blue Ridge Loop (as advised by the ranger) because the steepness of the shortcut trail was better to climb up than descend down.  He was right, but we were beat after that portion of the hike (the grade was about 40).  We had to take our boots off twice to cross two streams which felt AMAZING, but was likely part of the reason I developed two massive blisters on both feet.  There were so many different terrains to the hike it was as if we went on 5 or so different hikes.  The weather was perfect and we lucked out because it was rainy the next day.  Definitely the longest hike I've ever done, but I loved the challenge and my blisters are finally starting to heal 🙂