Started with priorities being map contact and fuel management (i.e. cautious pace knowing it would be grueling). I under estimated grueling. The navigation was okay except #6 where I was too far right. Messed around for awhile before taking a bearing on the hill top to the s.e., then knew where I had to go. Blueberry wrestling was no fun and taking a lot of energy, so I favored using trails. Weary at #7 but bushwhacked directly south nonetheless . Seemed like a long laurel fight from the brook to the e-w trail, which I then followed up to 8, praying the view would be worth the exhaustion. Wagon steps the whole way.
Gracious cadet at summit handed me a cup of water and insisted on filling my water bottle. I sat down to catch breath and enjoy the view. He brought a whole gallon over to me, from which I took a couple of cup refills. When I showed I was ready to move on, he offered his hand. As soon as I took it, I found myself suddenly and smoothly upright on both feet. What am I? A feather. The guy must be an iron pumper! Gave him a Go Army hoorah and went on my way.
Nellie passed me here. After #9 Nellie passed me again as he returned from #10 to find #9. He passed me again after I crawled up to #11.
On way to #12 got sucked left a bit seeing a crowd inspecting the first cliff, but quickly counted contours and I knew I had a long way down to go, so got back on the so-called trail. The whole area was ankle twisting rocks but at least it was downhill toward the home stretch. Moseyed along to Finish in a fog of exhaustion.
My route.