Did the counterclockwise loop and camped overnight at Upper Camp. That’s 5 miles in and at the bottom of The Shortcut. (Take a few extra moments and make sure you visit Frog Lake. Very pretty.) All the springs along the way to this point had water (use a filter). The creeks were mostly dry but there were a few pools of water near my camp and I refilled a few liters from there in the morning. Needed every drop by the end of Day 2. Very little water to be found on the back half of the loop.

Started Sunday off with coffee and The Shortcut… creek to Bench took me 55 minutes. I enjoyed the view from that bench!

Blue ridge is a nice few miles with Sizer being an unmarked bump on the ridge. This was pretty much the only level part of the hike. That and the final mile back to the visitors center. Jackass Trail is single track and a bit over grown. WATCH FOR POISON OAK! (It’s everywhere on the single track trails.)

Flys were annoying first night. Didn’t see any ticks ????

5 down and only Rose remains ????