04-26-13 Somewhere near Watauga Lake

Got a late start out of Hampton and proceeded up Pond Flats Mountain. B calls it a "pud" because the trail took us way out of the way to go up it, then back to the road into Hampton we were at before.

At the Shook Branch Recreation Area, a family had trail magic--grilled chicken, potatoes and baked beans. A pleasant and welcome treat-- thank you!

At Watauga Dam we took a break and enjoyed the views. Walked across it, then up the road and before we knew it, we were back in the woods.

We stopped for the night near a spring at mile 432 with our friend, Couch.