(Daily Mi: 17.5) The Grayson Highlands are pretty awesome. No rain today, but boy was it windy and (out of the direct sun) rather crisp. Did manage to find a nice lunch spot in the sun with Brother near the 11 mile shelter (Old Orchard)

Steep but rewarding climb up onto the open meadows and balds of the Grayson Highlands ridge line. Right at the top I find a bald pasture filled with feral ponies and a rare clear view from an open summit. More pastures. A corral?! More views. Cows.

Very crowded near the shelter. Lots of tent gardens. Big group of 30-40 something women out on a guided four day AT adventure package.

Awesome and rewarding chance for Brother and I to play the Thru Hiker card.

We score, among other things, an extra hot dinner and bags of excess trailmix -- which is quite welcome as we are both near to out of food and at least two days from resupply.