Go with the flow (of water)

We were very happy to leave the highway behind us as we approached mile 400. I find it interesting how much more irritating road noise is after several weeks in the quiet woods. The hike was pleasant as we ascended a little higher above the tree line.

It didn’t take long for the entire team to reach mile 400. It’s starting to feel like every 100 is getting easier. It happens much faster when you walk with a good group.

(This post is about to get a little heavy.)

Big Dripper sitting near the top of Jones Falls.

We celebrated by going to Jones Falls just a mile later. It was a lovely little blue blaze that led to some large rocks overlooking the waterfall. We must have sat there for about an hour, just eating snacks and dipping our feet in the water.

Jessie and I sitting and looking at the falls.

Me doing some yoga at the top of the falls.

After a while, some guys came down from the upper falls and said there was a great place to shower. I considered walking soaked, but eventually joined Chipper and Big Dripper at the top. We had a great time climbing under the falls. Although, I don’t think Jessie would like me playing on wet rocks so far from the road. She is a soldier.

Chipper taking a shower for a magazine cover photo shoot at the falls.

A stream that we followed for a while on the way to camp.

All our tents crammed into a small spot by the stream.

The hike to camp was just wonderful as we followed a stream for a while. We ended up finding an awesome spot where we packed all of our tents into a small area. However, sleeping by the stream was worth it. A little bit of rain came in and added to the noise, which was nice and relaxing. I slept very soundly all night.

The rhododendron around the stream was amazing.

The waterfall we slept next to.

There wasn’t much to mention about the next day. The hike to Laurel Fork Falls was uneventful, but the falls themselves were quite beautiful. We sat there for a while and camped just before heading up to Hampton, Tennessee.

Laurel Falls seen from a short side trail.

Further down the creek on Laurel Fork Branch.

I will say that Pond Mountain felt a little pointless. 3 miles up and 3 miles down with no view and a slightly overgrown trail felt a bit disappointing as a welcome to the city. I ran into our friend Dancer as we walked the last mile to Boots Off. It was nice to chat with her for a while as we approached the hostel.

The sign for Boots Off, just down the road.

It was a relief to arrive at the property and find it quiet and almost empty. Today was the first day of Trail Days, so most people were in Damascus to celebrate their holiday. Jessie and I spent a really nice afternoon restocking and cooking a pasta dinner.

Jessie protecting her dough. (It got a new trail name, Gremlin.)

The next morning we would go to Trail Days with Dancer and her husband. We reserve this afternoon to prioritize relaxation and time alone. It was a little strange to be without our usual team, but we knew we would see them the next day.

The shelter cat. It protected the food from the mice during the night.

Tomorrow is Trail Days. It’s time to get overstimulated among a crowd of people that completely goes against the vibe of everything you’ve seen on the road so far. However, it seems like something too important to miss!

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