This was my first hike of the challenge and the longest hike I have completed in a while! We started at about 2:30pm and it was hot so we took a break about halfway through. We were surprised when the last mile of the hike was completely uphill after having just been on a flat trail for two to three miles. I was very determined to get to the top. It wasn't unbearably hot, but we took a few short breaks to cool ourselves down. We kept thinking we had reached the top only to find there was another peak to conquer! It was awesome when we finally made it. The way down was much cooler and we seemed to be the only ones on the trail at that point. It got dark toward the last mile and I felt very dirty and a bit sore. But I felt amazing knowing we had completed the challenge!