When I hiked south from Hampton, TN to Springer Mountain last year I started on the Appalachian Trail near Laurel Falls so l wouldn’t have to climb over Pond Flats Mountain. The plan for today was to hike the short section of the AT between where I started last year back to Shook Branch Road, where I ended yesterday. Around 7:30 Luke dropped me off at a blue blazed trail off of US 321 that connected to the AT, the same trail I used last year. This time when I reached the AT, instead of heading south to Springer Mountain I went north. The AT started climbing immediately over Pond Flats Mountain, gaining 1,700 feet over 2.6 miles and then losing it all over the next 3.1 miles, before coming out on Shook Branch Road. The day was perfect, clear blue sky and a cool 48 degrees when I started. The trail was steep, and rocky in places, having many switchbacks on the way up and again on the way down. The mountain has a pond on top, hence it’s name (it was dry when Karen and I hiked here years ago). I planned to take a photograph but somehow missed it. I’m not sure if I was in too big of a hurry or if it was hidden by the vegetation. I hiked 5.7 miles today finishing the 213.2 mile section from Pearisburg, VA to Hampton, TN in 14 days. By noon I was in the car driving home.
In closing I thank God for the beauty of His creation and for giving me the ability to enjoy it. I also want to thank Karen my wife for encouraging me to hike, for helping me to prepare, and for supporting me while I am on the trail. And finally, thank you to all who prayed for me while I hiked. God provided everything I needed, and then much more. For I am…
Prone to Wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart Lord take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.