Date: 2016-03-21
From: Black Bear Resort

To: N of Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

There's something that's been really bothering me that I have to talk to you about. Folks, it's a spreading evil on the AT. That's right. Some people say that the love of money is the root of all evil.   But I'm here to tell you that ROOTS are the root of all evil!   I mean it! They lurk under the multitude of leaves lying about. They are a hidden menace. And then when you least expect it, they slip you, they trip you and they try to crip you!You think I'm kidding but I'm dead serious. I've had a lot of time to think about this since roots have been among us from the very start of this trip. They've not only slipped and tripped us, they have flat out thrown us to the ground. And if that isn't evil I don't know what is. We could have been seriously injured. But fortunately, we are both okay. There, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I can tell you about my day. We left the Black Bear Resort about 7:30 am. A bit of a late start for us. The promised cold front had come in and it was bitter cold and I do mean bitter cold. The kind of cold that makes the bones in your hands and feet yell in pain. But we did choose a winter hike so there can be no whining. The first part of the day was a gentle river walk near the Laurel River. There were some interesting rock formations at the top of the ridges lining the river. Kind of reminded me of scenes from a western movie. As the trail dropped down to the river again there were some of the largest falls we have seen on this trip. The Laurel River Falls of course. We worked hard climbing uphill, but as we neared US 321 and the turnoff to Hampton we were rewarded by some great views of Watauga Lake. We had decided this morning that we would hike the first nine miles and then try and hitch into Hampton to hit the McDonalds. We were both feeling like we were in a bit of a calorie deficit from yesterdays hiking day and we thought that a trip to McDonald's would be just the ticket to fix that.We stood by the side of the road with our thumbs out as car after car blew by us. Finally a truck went by but then turned around and pulled up to us and offered us a ride. His name was Naked Face. Turns out he had hiked most of the AT in 1993. And even though he wasn't heading into Hampton, he picked us up and took us anyway. He said he knew what it was like to stand there with your thumb out.We enjoyed talking to him about his hike in '93. My favorite part of the conversation was when we asked him if he had hiked the AT and his face lit up like Christmas and he said yes, and it's the best thing I've ever done.We sure did appreciate him going out of his way to help some hungry hikers. So thanks again Naked Face! I will admit up front that we totally stuffed ourselves like little piggies at the McDonalds.   I had a quarter pounder with cheese, a Big Mac, french fries, a hot apple pie and a cup of hot chocolate. That's a lot! But we had been running higher miles on shorter rations so we felt like we needed it. After we finished our meal we waddled out to the road to try and catch a ride back to the trail.   This proved a bit harder to do but eventually a kind soul gave us a lift.Would it surprise you to know that we both were feeling a bit unwell hiking after our gluttonous fling in town? No? I didn't think so. But the hike must go on. We continued to have some really great views of Watauga Lake.   This is a huge lake and the trail winds around it quite nicely.Then it was back in forest but we stayed high on the ridge line for quite a while so that was nice. It is supposed to get super cold tonight so we looked hard to find a campsite that was sheltered from the wind.   We finally found something suitable and have hunkered down the best we can. Hopefully we will stay somewhat warm tonight.   Okay, turning in. Catch you later! Road Runner