Date: 2021-05-25
From: Tent Site @ MM 411.2

To: Boots Off Hostel in Hampton, TN
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

May 25 - Tent site at MM 411.2 to Boots Off Hostel in Hampton, TN - 17.2 miles (320.4 trip miles) - 41316 steps I had all kinds of energy today. I think the breakfast yesterday, although great, weighed me down and left me sluggish all day. That was not the case today. I slept well last night at the campsite. Boston Bill and I couldn¢t decide if we were at the campsite listed in the guide but decided to stay where we were. That was a good move because the campsite at the mileage marker listed could barely fit 1 tent. I got up to pee at about 1am and (I think) a screech owl let me know it was not happy I was disturbing it¢s feeding. If you have never heard this owl, all 1 ounce of it, it is LOUD. I also heard some small critter(s) rustling around most of the night. Speaking of critters, here is an estimated tally:Chipmunks - 100sSquirrel- ~50Turkey - 2Snakes - 2Rabbit - 1Bear - 1 (if you count the black thing in the distance in the Smokies)Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, abominable snowman, Swamp Ape (combined) - 0Today I was up by 6, got packed up and headed out. I planned to cook some oatmeal in 2.5 miles at the shelter. It was a good thing we stayed where we did as the climb to the shelter was pretty steep. That would have been tough late with low energy. I got water on the way and arrived ready to eat. At the shelter the hikers that had not left yet were talking about a guy who was tented away from the shelter but snored so loud that everyone in the area couldn¢t sleep. Again, glad I stayed where I did. After eating, my energy was even higher and I powered through a couple of short but steep up and downs. From there it was a 4 mile down to Dennis Cove Road and into the Laurel Fork area. After the road the trail follows a dead flat dirt track for a mile. On the way, there was a camp area on the Laurel Fork River. I stopped to eat lunch. There were 2 unopened cold cans of Coors Lite. I didn¢t want it but gave one to the next hiker to come by, Ducky. It didn¢t last long. While eating I watched a boy about 10 catch 2 good sized rainbow trout. He was thrilled with his nice catch. From there it was on to the Laurel Fork Falls. After the flat dirt road the trail meanders through some canyon like formations before entering the gorge. This is a long, steep and slow descent down hand cut rock to the river. Story has it that when the trail was being built back in the 30s, it was an all women team that worked this section. They did a hell of a job. It¢s almost a vertical drop. The waterfall is nice and the air near it very cool. I scooped water onto my head, arms and legs to cool off and wash off some salt and dust. It felt great. From there the trail ran along the river for a ways with one big climb and then back to the river.Next up was ¢The Climb¢ of the day. This was a 2000 foot ascent to Pond Flats. Nothing to see here. I suppose this climb was needed to get out of the River gorge. Usually I stop often on these kind of climbs. Not today. I powered up with few stops as the sweat flowed freely in the humid air. At the top was a camp area where I rested and snacked. I noticed a tick on my leg just above my sock. I think it just started burrowing in when I pulled it out/off. I will have to keep an eye on that area for the ¢bullseye¢ rash of Lyme disease. I check my legs often and my clothes are treated with Permethrin so I don¢t think it was there long. The final part of the day was the 2000 foot descent into Hampton, TN and the Boots Off Hostel. The hostel is right near the trail. I am in the bunk house which is interesting. There are 4 bunk beds for 8 people. It¢s a tiny little building but seems to work. There are also mini cabins and tenting available. The shower was outside but was nice and hot. There was a shuttle into town for resupply and a stop at Subway/McDonalds for dinner. All things hikers like and need. As I said, I felt great all day today. My only issue now is my pack. It doesn¢t ¢arc¢ like its supposed to and can be uncomfortable. In 3 days I will be in Damascus, VA where there is a full outfitter. I will look into a new pack. Other hikers with the same pack as mine are having the same issue. The terrain should be relatively easy into Damascus so we are planning to do mileage of 16, 16 and 10 to get there. There is a Methodist church there that provides a hostel to hikers and bicyclists (the Virginia Creeper Trail is very popular for bikers).  A few of us will try and stay there and take a Zero day (a no hiking day). I have not had a Zero yet and other hikers are amazed and/or confused. I don¢t feel I¢ve needed one yet. I seem to have the magic power today.Heck, it¢s 920 and I still have energy. Until tomorrow.