Day 35 - Laurel Creek Hostel to Watauga Shelter

Got up and had trouble getting motivated, as is our usual situation in town. Got a ride back to the trail at 10.

We’d heard horror stories from the slackpackers about our three-mile climb up Pond Flats. First came to a huge waterfall. The climb itself was hard, but I felt pretty darn good despite the heat. Now I know what Dave is talking about when he says, “I feel great.”

We were rewarded when we got down the other side with a big lake (Lake Watauga). Chops and Pappy were already there, and Whitey and Number One came down with us. 

Sat by a nice beach in the sun, had some lunch and just chilled out. Whitey discovered that yes, an inflatable Thermarest ground pad can be used as a raft.

Longshanks cools off (photo published in Appalachian Trailway News; see Publications of interest link at right)

Hung out til 4, then we all made a group effort to get motivated. Dave, Chops and I only did the extra 1.8 miles to the next shelter and called it quits. Mick was the only one there, so we set up shop inside. Decent night’s sleep.

Mick, Longshanks, and Chops at Watauga Shelter