Day 48: Slacking Laurel Falls

Starting Point: Hampton, TN (420.4)

Ending Point: Hampton, TN (420.4)

Total miles: 8.4 slack pack trail miles.

Steps: 20,420

Injuries: Intercostal Strain

Achievements: Laurel Fork Falls

We stayed at the Black Bear Resort.  After an excellent breakfast, we slack packed to the road into Hampton where we were picked up by the shuttle back to resort.

That allowed us to spend some quality time enjoying Laurel Falls.

When I look back at many of my previous adventures, it was always go, go, go.  Taking time to actually enjoy something is quite refreshing.

Tomorrow promises to be a very fun day.  We'll take the shuttle to Boots Off hostel.  There, we will kayak 10 miles up Watauga Lake.  That will cover 21 miles of trail.  So, I'll end of having a 24 to 25 mile day.  It will also be good for my back.

With a little bit of down time, I calculated my situation.  As I expected, my ability to finish this in one season is in jeopardy.  I have a hard cut off of Labor Day weekend.

I had the same issue on the PCT.  I wanted to be home by my 20th Anniversary.  I knew that things would speed up in Oregon, and they did.  Hopefully, the same will happen here.