Date: 2004-04-28
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Lake Watauga Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Ha,ha,ha. I just jumped into a lake on a rope swing naked...woohoo! My first time skinny dipping. It was so much fun! The water was so frickin cold. I went in twice and froze my butt off, but it was exhilarating. Anyway, I'm giddy right now. He,he,he.   Today was awesome! We left Kincora Hostel at around 10 AM. As we hit hte trail we saw flowers all around. The trail was even flat. Pegasus and I stopped to identify the flowers when I realized I had left my flower book at the hostel. I have grown so fond of identifying flowers, that despite the fact it meant extra walking (over a mile) I went back to the hostel to get it. Thank goodness I did, I would end up seeing over 10 flowers I had not seen prior to today.    Due to Pegasus and I returning to the hostel, Fire Marshall and Boo-boo hiked ahead even though we had left together. As Pegasus and I returned to the trail we stopped every 4 minutes to look at the gorgeous flora around us. We knew we had plenty of time. The trail was flat and running next to Laurel Creek. I saw Solomon's Seal, Frazier's Sedge, and a blooming Rhododendron of some sort as well as other flowers. After an easy mile and a half we reached Laurel Falls.    Laurel Falls were wide and powerful, dropping through a steep gorge. It was so refreshing to see and I could feel teh mist many yards away. I felt awesome as I hiked on. A mile later I met a couple visiting the falls who were very lost. The gentleman interrupted me while I was pooping in the woods to ask for directions. To say I was caught off guard is an understatement: I nearly shat myself! After recovering, I informed the man that I did not know where his car might be. He said they had to pick up their kids in 3 hours and for the kid's sake I hope that they found the car.    Over the next mile the trail hugged the creek including a few rock scrambles just above the water. We passed 2 gorgeous types of flowers: Bleeding Heart and Painted Trillium. We also passed Flocks, Violets, and other beauteous flowers. Our Flower walk ended though when we began to walk Pond Flats. I sweated like a pig as I climbed and it took 2.5 miles to reach teh top. On my way up I just pushed myself onward. When I finally reached what I thought was the top it only went up more. After over an hour the terrain finally flattened. I prayed some and waited for Pegasus to catch up. When she did we started hiking down teh mountain and trying to think of 5 syllable words for every letter of the alphabet (yes, I know I am a DORK). I never did find a 5 syllable word for "y", Does anyone know one? Our game was interrupted while we struggled with "y" by a beautiful sight: The Flame Azalea.   The Flame Azalea is a gorgeous tree with bright orange flowers. It would be near impossible to miss. As the mountain slowly descended to Lake Watauga I saw even more flowers. We passed a chain of small white flowers called Stonecrop, Cinquefoil (small symetrical yellow flowers), Rue Anenome (Small with white and yellow flowers), Wild Oats, More Violets, as well as other flowers. I was lost in wonder as we reached the lake.   Lake Watauga is huge and we picniced near the swimming area. A high school aged couple were picnicing near us, and by "picnicing" I mean groping each other on a blanket. Hands were everywhere. After 5 minutes (I'm guessing 3rd Base) they realized we were there and packed up. They drove further up the lake shore, probably to a more private location. We finished up our snack and left to hike the mile and a half to the shelter.    The final mile and a half was the most gorgeous walk yet. Due to the water the flowers were seemingly everywhere. First we sawmassive amounts of Ragwort, then we saw a beautiful purple plant named Lyre-leaved Sage. We passed Wild Ginger and I was beginning to think it could not get any better (it did). As a fun note wild ginger's bud is a brownish-red to attract flies by looking like rotting meat. Shortly later, I saw 3 flowers on the side of the trail with pink drooping buds. They were beautiful and one was in full bloom. The flower I was seeing is called Lady Slippers. Lady Slippers are precious pink flowers and are rare to see. I was on a high as we reached the shelter. Fire Marshall was there so we said hi and unpacked. Then off to the rope swing!!!    As the beginning of this journal makes clear, I jumped naked on a rope swing into a lake. Pegasus copped out due to the cold, but I guess to each their own. It was frigid but so much fun. I can't believe I went in let alone went in buck naked. No one else saw me, but 2 hikers at the shelter said they heard the scream that escaped when I hit the water. I can't wait to get the pictures . After a couple of brisk swings I dried off, re-clothed myself, and headed back to the shelter. Now to finish this journal I will list 5 thoughts:1. I have never seen so many beautiful flowers: Lady Slippers, Painted Trillium, Flame Azalea, and Bleeding Heart are particularly gorgeous.2. I feel like a girl when staring at flowers, but I don't care (I'm confident in my masculenity).3. Skinny Dipping Rocks! I also noticed my weight loss as I was catapulting naked into the water .4. I hope to meet Krispy and Bear Tracks tomorrow. I will hike with them, Pegasus, and Fire Marshall into Damascus,VA.5. If this is my "Road to Damascus", God has shown me many things: Most chiefly is that he loves me, he has a plan for my life, and he is holding me in his hands.Goodnight, BEATBOX   ttt.