May 2

The return of Apache

Left Kincora, headed back to the trail, and into the Pond Mountain Wilderness.  The first spring blooms of rhododendron were starting to come out along this section.  Before too long I came to Laurel Falls.  There was a huge black snake on the trail on the way down to the falls, and a cool looking dark blue salamander too.  Laurel Falls was impressive, best on the trail so far.  Next I had a huge climb up to Pond Flats, which wasn't really flat, it was just two and a half miles of climbing up a giant mountain, then three miles down the other side. I came out of the woods, to a road at the Shook Branch Recreational Area, and there were some fellow hikers there along with some trail magic.  Tom, twice a former thru-hiker, had brought chips, crackers, popcorn, and sodas, and talked with us for a bit.  We went down to the sandy beach swimming area across the road at the lake.  I went for a brief, cold swim.  KB stayed for a few minutes, but decided to push on to do some more miles.  Soon after, who pulls up into the parking lot, but Apache (Joe)!  His ankle is healed up after a couple weeks of rest, and he's getting back on the trail.  His mom went back into Hampton and brought us fresh fruit - a huge watermelon, strawberries, and oranges.  Second trail magic of the day!  After a lazy afternoon enjoying the lake we hiked another 1.8 miles to the Watauga Lake shelter.  I set up my tent behind the shelter and Apache was hammocking right next to me.  He said the ankle felt good, so that's great news.  Shelter log says there's a bear in the area, so everyone made use of the bear pole to hang their food.

Laurel Falls.