  Leveraging Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) optimization of the F-statistic,
we introduce a method for the hierarchical follow-up of continuous
gravitational wave candidates identified by wide-parameter space semi-coherent
searches. We demonstrate parameter estimation for continuous wave sources and
develop a framework and tools to understand and control the effective size of
the parameter space, critical to the success of the method. Monte Carlo tests
of simulated signals in noise demonstrate that this method is close to the
theoretical optimal performance.
