Date: 2012-04-11
From: Moreland Gap Shelter 410.3

To: Watauga Lake Shelter 426.8
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

As predicted, it was really COLD last night. Even with all our clothes on, including down jackets, long johns, gloves, and balaclavas, inside our sleeping bags, we were chilly for a couple of hours in the early morning. As it turned out, the temperature reached the very low 20s, so it was no surprise. As the sun came up the sun came up, the temperature began to climb, so we got up... later than usual. We started hiking about 8:40 and hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. An hour or so after we left we passed Dig It and Dragons Breath, who were breaking camp, then the two section hikers who'd left camp before we did. We stopped briefly to have a snack on the move, as it was still COLD! (And as it turned out, it never did get above 40 degrees...great for hiking, but a bit cool whenever one stops.) By 11:00 we'd reached the trailhead at Dennis Cove on a road, and stopped for breakfast. While we were stopped we met a family preparing to hike to the Moreland Gap Shelter, and warned them how cold it was. It was nice to see a family backpacking together, but hoped they'd be warm enough! We hiked on to Laurel Falls, which were gorgeous. We continued hiking along the river for another hour, then started a two hour relentless climb. Fortunately, I had a lot more energy today than yesterday! (Random note: By this time in the hike we had learned that I was pretty much always tired the first day after resupplying, and didn't worry about it. Invariably, I felt more energetic the next day!) At the top of the climb, we ate lunch: tortillas, cheese, and ham, plus a candy bar for Gary and an energy bar for me. After lunch we hiked down to Watauga Lake (Random note: When we reached the town just before Watauga Lake, a friendly horse came over to its fence to visit us. Fun!) We hiked partway around the lake, passing a deer skeleton along the trail on our way. When we reached the Watauga Lake Shelter, to our surprise, sitting at the table, were Whitewater and Duffer! Duffer was making a reservation for the Victorian B & B in Damascus for Saturday, so we did as well. Thanks Duffer. (Random note: We hadn't expected to catch up with Whitewater and Duffer, as they'd hiked six more miles than we had the day we hiked out of Mountain Harbor B and B, but we learned that you never said "good-bye," to other thru hikers, only "See you on the trail.") (Random note: Duffer used a clam shell phone, and frequently had better cell coverage than we did with my smartphone, even though we both had the same coverage. Also, he was much better about making reservations for accommodations than we were. This was only one of many times we piggy backed on his reservations, for which we were very grateful!) The flowers today were few in variety, but still beautiful: white, yellow, and purple violets. However, we also saw the first rhododendrons in bloom, with their lovely pink flowers, and also some flaming azaleas, with their bright orange flowers in bloom. Both the rhododendrons and the flame azaleas were a surprise and a delight. Badger (the older) came in as we were starting dinner. We all ate dinner and hung our food bags on the bear pole, then took a look at Badger's hammock. I'd never seen one in action, but he really likes it. Right after dinner, we all climbed into our sleeping bags, thinking WARM thoughts. Life is GREAT on the Appalachian Trail, even when it's COLD at night, especially when you know you'll be staying in a WARM B and B in a few days!