Mile 22.4 (6:30 pm) Bond Cliffs -

Ben picks his way up to the top of Bond Cliffs - a majestic end to the Mountains on our trip. The previous time we did this trail we were greeted by swarms of black flies on the Bondcliffs - no such plague this time.

Atop the Bond Cliffs with Mount Bond in the background. The clouds are puffy, the light is rich and clear.The cliffs drop into a trail-less valley covered with hardwoods.  We may not be quite as fresh as were this morning across the way on Mount Flume - knees and hips speak to that - but this has been a very special hike with great company. .

This is the end of the views . but it is 6:30 and there are still nine miles to go....