It was a beautiful and delightful walk. Summer exists in the valleys in early May here, but it is still feels like a month or two earlier on the upper slopes. My hike allowed me to witness the transformation step by glorious step. Once on the ridge, the hike settles into to a very gradual climb. Over 4 miles, I bet the total climb is probably 500 feet.
Spruce trees abound.
He was about 2 feet long. On Top Haze and humidity obscurred the view the day I claimed this peak. I was content at least with the relative solitude I experienced that day. A few miles west of Spruce Knob, I happened upon a group of spelunkers who were preparing to explore and underground river. I tagged along with wide-eyed curiousity.