Date: 2015-05-02
From: Stealth Campsite, TN

To: Stealth Campsite, TN
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Moosehead and Tick Tock were up and out early this morning. Rock Boat and I treated ourselves to a little sleeping in - 7:30am - before we sucked it up, got out into the cold, and hit the trail. Only needing to cover ~11 miles today, we planned to take the day easy and walk at a bit slower pace as usual. After 2 consecutive days of ~20+ miles, I was on board. The morning would pass by relatively easily as the terrain consisted of minor bumps, although with more climbs than we expected. Rock Boat and I passed the miles by discussing important topics such as The Wonder Years, how lucky the producers of Boy Meets World were as Topanga aged, and our strategy of attacking the McDonald's menu once we reached Hampton, TN.Moreland Gap Shelter, White Rocks Mountain, and Coon Den Falls were eventually a thing of the past as we became trapped in tunnel vision with thoughts of the gradually approaching golden arches.We reached Dennis Cove around 11:30am, happened to stop by an information sign, and saw a note scribbled on a piece of paper left by Moosehead simply reading "Go to campsites along waterfront." We zigzagged through some rhododendron and found him sitting on the bank of Laurel River, a slow-moving, tranquil part of the river, where he had been for the past hour and a half enjoying the warm sun and soothing sound of the passing water. We shared with him our plans to reach McDonald's at all costs. He countered with wanting to stay put in order for Hobbel to be able to more easily locate us in the morning when we reunite. After half an hour of back and forth, childish banter, we persuaded Moosehead to come along. We continued on.We continued deep into a beautiful gorge where the Laurel River had cut into the Earth over a massive amount of time. As rocky cliffs and the forests atop them grew higher above our heads and the sounds of the rushing water filled the air, we knew we were in for a treat. We enjoyed a scenic yet hairy descent into the gorge as it requires climbing over sharp rocks at nearly a vertical decline. The climax of the experience is reached at Laurel Falls where water cascades over several rock croppings reaching close to ~50ft high. It may not have been an jaw-dropping 360-degree view atop a mountain, but it was perfect for today.We continued another mile or so down the trail, crisscrossing the river several more times in the process. Looking up into the blue sky between the towering rock walls above gave the sense that we were passing through the Grand Canyon, only at 1% of the scale. We finally reached a cross section of the trail, the AT making a sharp turn up a mountain and of of sight, the other leading a mile to a road that would lead us into town. At this point we all seemed to enter a trance as our stomachs growled and gurgled out of hunger, and our minds focused on nothing but food. We hit the road in no time and were greeted with what seemed a several mile long stretch through the town of Hampton, TN where we knew a McDonald's awaited at the far end. The trek through town can be compared to the Mogadishu mile, a stretch that never seemed to end, but without the gunfire. We finally reached the end of the town that seemed to just be barely hanging on for its life, rounded a corner, and saw the golden arches that never seemed to shine so bright before.Amongst stares from the locals, either due to Moosehead's kilt or my 2-week old smelling socks, we staggered in, dropped our packs, and went to work. I went first: a Big Mac with large fries, 2 McChickens, and 2 double cheeseburgers, and a large Coke (5 in all.) Rock Boat went second: 2 cheeseburgers, 2 double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a large sweet tea (6 in all). Moosehead kept his simple: 4 Big Mac's, large fries, and a large Sprite (2 in all.) What followed can only be described from what you've seen in the movie Harold and Kumar Go to Whitecastle once they finally enjoy their meal. Burgers to the left, fries to the right, you put them both together we got ...* all night. What a solid way to spend 3 hours. 5,000 calories never tasted so good. Moosehead and I also had a icecream sandwich for desert. He and I can now confidently say that what you see in the documentary Supersize Me is accurate. Our heart rates shot up for the next 2 hours even as we just sat there charging our gadgets and talking. Though I wouldn't suggest doing what we did to common folk, as an AT hiker I can say it will most definitely happen again.After leaving McDonald's we rolled across the street to Dollar General for a small resupply to last us the next few days until we reach Demascus, VA. With Snickers, Nutty Butty's, oatmeal creme pies, peanut M&M's, and granola in basket, I was ready to check out...but not before first needing to retire to the restroom. Well played, McDonald's. We then sat outside in the parking lot, tore through our purchased goods, and packed them into our packs. We also swung into a grocery/hardware store duo half a mile down the road so I could get another Coke. I trekked it back to camp where I'm currently enjoying it as I write.Upon returning to camp, we laid our tents to dry, bandana-bathed in the Laurel River (you wouldn't believe the funk you create after wearing the same stuff for ~2 weeks), applied Gold Bond, and are now retired in our tents enjoying personal time. I tried to start up a game of fart ping-pong, but no one seemed willing to play. Hopefully a restful night along the river is ahead.Tomorrow brings another simple day of only around ~7 miles to Lake Watauga where Hobbel has scored us some nice trail magic over the next day and a half. Will be sure to share in future journals. Only one decent climb tomorrow starting as soon as we step out of our tents then it should be relatively coasting to the lake.I found out American Pharaoh won the Derby. It was a nice last-minute pick of mine due to a little knowledge I picked up over the years from an old friend. Today is also my good friend Eli's birthday and I was able to call him for a few minutes to wish him well. Happy birthday again, and good luck in your upcoming move. Thank you for the support.Here's to a solid Packer's draft class, the fastest 2 minutes in sports, 5,000 calories, and the thought of clean clothes just around the corner.