December 2, 2018
It’s been several months since my last blog entry. While I have not been idle, I decided to take a break from writing. In November, my brother-in-law and I hiked the Bartram Trail. It was nice to not write every day, to take pictures for fun and generally just enjoy a hike. But, I have missed blogging and look forward to picking it back up with vigor.
Yesterday was quite unusual; sunny, 65 degree days don’t happen often in December. Since just days before it was 15 degrees and snowing, I jumped at the chance to spend the day outside.
Pond Mountain Wilderness is located near Hampton, Tennessee, just a 45 minute drive from Boone, North Carolina. If you have heard of this wilderness, it’s likely because the Appalachian Trail traverses it, before crossing Watauga Lake and reaching Damascus, Virginia.
The Laurel Falls trail (blue-blazed) starts on the outskirts of town near a highly visible sign. Upon entering Pond Mountain Wilderness, it joins the Appalachian Trail. The trail is nothing short of delightful. It mostly traverses Laurel Fork, giving wonderful glimpses of cliffs, Laurel Fork Gorge, towering yellow pine, and an awesome climb up the ridge near the gorge. The trail ends with a wonderful 40’ waterfall.
Total mileage is 5.27 miles.
sweetwilder 
Beautiful country, Jonathan. Nice photos. We have much in common… as I read of your getting away from writing, yet missing the blogging… I can relate. My blogging has slowed up for a number of reasons, but I miss it. Finally got one out again last night… and am headed up to the SHT within the hour w/ my wife, to snowshoe for a few days. But you’ll be reading about it soon enough. 😉
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Have fun and look forward to hearing about your time on the SHT!! Look forward to reading about it!
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Great to see you back! I also had some news I wanted to share with my favorite bloggers: I have set a date for my PCT thru hike! April 6, 2020. So about 15 months. I’m planning on blogging it, but trying to figure out the best way to do it without burning out on trail.
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That’s wonderful news!! Very happy to hear this. Why did you choose the PCT for your thru?!?
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PCT has been my plan since about 2013 when I first got into hiking and backpacking. I found a PCT blog and I was just floored so it has always been my preference of the Big 3 since. Of course they are all amazing!
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That’s wonderful. I really look forward to following you (vicariously) on the PCT in anyway you choose to share.
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btw: have you thought about what tent/hammock you will use on the PCT?
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Yes, though that is one of my last pieces of gear I’ve yet to buy. Pretty sure I’m going with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1. It’s free standing, which I really want for the Sierra and the tech has gotten it so light these days I think it’s worth it. It’s close to on par with some of the tarptents and similar. I’m not ready to make the jump to a full on tarp yet. I’ve never slept well in hammocks.
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I have no experience with the Copper Spur, but I know they are Uber popular on the trail. I’d love to see a gear post if you have time and the arrival date gets closer.
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For sure. I’m going to create an entirely new blog for the hike I’m pretty sure, so I will post gear and such there as well.
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Sweet! This is awesome.
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For what it’s worth, I’ve used the UL1 and am happy with it.
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Awesome Mike! Picking my shelter has been an agonizing decision. I’m probably going to purchase it this spring or summer and take it on a couple of hikes to test so I can return it if I don’t like it, but it does have rave reviews from thru hikers.
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