VIDEO: Appalachian Trail...Hwy 19E to Watauga Lake

**Firebird** · 04-21-2016, 06:16

Last weekend 2 friends and I did a section of the AT in Tn. We left one car at Watauga Lake on Hwy 321 and then drove south to Mountain Harbor Hostel on Hwy 19E and left our other car and started hiking. It was a good trip with some rocky sections and long pulls. The last day I think we did a 4 mile climb and then around a 4 mile decent to the lake. We had 1 small bear encounter. Watauga Lake shelter was closed due to high bear activity and also the last day we heard there was a fire in the same area and the trail was closed. These both were north of our trip so they didn't pertain to us and we never got a confirmation on the trail closure. I hope you enjoy watching.

**TallPaul** · 04-21-2016, 10:38

I recognize that trail

Interesting how the water was running so much clearer for you.. it was brown for us. Gives me an idea of how much rain must have occurred before we did our hike.

I believe John's bear story. Was that on your second night? I swear i heard one at that spot but I chalked it up to an active brain. I was sleeeping with my food as my bear rope got caught in the tree.

And what the what! That whole part about Sasquatch had me laughing. You are ready for your own TV show. Fess up on what you were eating - cause it looked convincing to me

**Chigger** · 04-21-2016, 17:13

Great vid Firebird. I did a short section at Watauga Lake a few years back and a Ranger warned us to be on the lookout for a bear. We did not see one.

**sidneyhornblower** · 04-21-2016, 17:36

Looked like you guys had very pretty terrain most of the time. Thanks for sharing your trip.

**Firebird** · 04-21-2016, 17:37

Originally Posted by TallPaul

I recognize that trail

Interesting how the water was running so much clearer for you.. it was brown for us. Gives me an idea of how much rain must have occurred before we did our hike.

I believe John's bear story. Was that on your second night? I swear i heard one at that spot but I chalked it up to an active brain. I was sleeeping with my food as my bear rope got caught in the tree.

And what the what! That whole part about Sasquatch had me laughing. You are ready for your own TV show. Fess up on what you were eating - cause it looked convincing to me

Hey Paul, yeah the water was real clear, we didn't even get any sediment it our filters

That was our second night and we were north of Dennis Cove Road a piece, could have been the same spot as we saw a rope hanging in the trees there. I'm sure John was accurate, I was just zonked out from fatigue.

Well I was eating Squatch poop. The little fellow had been eating dung beetles and that was what threw me. We need to plan another trip together and I'll bring some for you to try. I think "Thumbs" might like them too.

As always Paul, Thanks For Watching!

Originally Posted by Chigger

Great vid Firebird. I did a short section at Watauga Lake a few years back and a Ranger warned us to be on the lookout for a bear. We did not see one.

From what I hear, that area has always been popular with bears. It was good to see you at Yates, Chigger, and glad the axe muderer left you alone. Thanks for watching!

**PappyAmos** · 04-21-2016, 18:19

Thanks for taking us along friend.

One thing - I don't think I want you doin the cookin the next time we hike together.

**Firebird** · 04-21-2016, 19:15

Originally Posted by sidneyhornblower

Looked like you guys had very pretty terrain most of the time. Thanks for sharing your trip.

For the most part the terrain was pretty good but the last day after we left the falls it was a steady climb for 4.5 miles. You just take them as you get them. Thanks for following along.

Originally Posted by PappyAmos

Thanks for taking us along friend.

One thing - I don't think I want you doin the cookin the next time we hike together.

Come on Pappy, you know you'd enjoy it, just wash it down with some stove fuel. Thanks Pal!!

**JSH** · 04-21-2016, 19:48

Thanks for sharing the trip Firebird. Did you really chew up that piece of Sasquatch leavings?

**Firebird** · 04-22-2016, 07:00

Originally Posted by JSH

Thanks for sharing the trip Firebird. Did you really chew up that piece of Sasquatch leavings?

Thanks for following along JSH. That stuff is really good for the digestive system!??

**u.willie** · 04-22-2016, 10:46

Nice video. That wuz some smallish Squatch drop'ins for sure, but definitely did look pretty tasty...

I hiked 321/Watauga Lake to Damascus 'bout three or four weeks ago now. The Watauga Lake shelter was definitely open and in use. No bears to speak of either.
I hope to do from Hughes Gap back up to Watauga/321 as my next section south, here in a week or so...

u.w.