This was a very harrowing trail as I had reluctantly convinced my friend to come with me. Despite being apprehensive, she pushed along at her own pace. We had fun at the Strutevant campground and enjoyed the giant swing. The true test of courage (or so we thought) came towards the summit when my friend’s will was put to the test. Luckily we were there in two switchbacks, haha. After perusing the observatory (everything was closed due to COVID) we started our journey down continuing the loop.

The real harrowing moment of the hike came three miles from completion. My friend spotted a small black bear playing on a tree near the trail. Needless to say we were shook and immediately began banging our water bottles together and trying to make as much noise as we could to scare it away. Unfortunately it was more interested in getting to know us as opposed to being afraid of us. Luckily after throwing some pine cones and rocks in the other direction, my friend and I were able to distract the bear enough to safely get by. I don’t think I’ve ever hiked the final bit of a hike so fast in my life!