Got an early start this morning from the hostel.  Before leaving we watched them push a broken down golf cart across the parking lot, but not before Arlo decided he wanted to ride!

From left to right, Seeker, Dingo, Purge (me), Hooch and the hostel dog Arlo.

The first part of the trail was an easy walk before it dropped steeply into the gorge next to the Laurel river.

Down in the gorge we found a huge waterfall.

The trail followed the river and eventually squeezed down to a small ledge between the river and the rock wall.

Afterwards, the trail turned uphill and climbed pond mountain before diving back down to Watagua lake.

The lake had a white sand beach swimming area that might have looked inviting if it were about 25 degrees warmer

The trail wound around the lake through some easy terrain.

Apparently the entire area was closed to camping because of bear activity

We stopped early for the night at Vandeventer shelter after about 17 miles to set up for the 32 mile trek to Damascus tomorrow. The shelter had great views back towards the lake.

The plan is to wake up at 3:30am, eat pack and step off on our longest day so far.