Day 49: Aqua Blaze Watauga Lake

Starting Point: Hampton, TN (420.4)

Ending Point: Double Spring Shelter (452.5)

Total miles: 23.7 miles

Steps: 10,006 Paddles: 30,000+

Injuries: Intercostal Strain

Achievements: Aqua Blaze

Although I certainly enjoyed my PCT hike, there are a few things I swore I'd do differently if I were to do it again.

First, I'd take way more pictures of the people I hiked with.  Second, I'd hike my own hike from the very beginning.  Finally, I swore I would have more fun.

I had to complete the PCT by October 1st.  I was constantly on the clock.  I'd wake up a 5:30 and be hiking by 6.  I'd run through a town without stopping.  I didn't hang out with other hikers.

Now that I'm on the AT, there are some opportunities to do somethings other than just hiking.  One that really interested me was Aqua Blazing.  Instead of hiking, kayak the trail.  The first opportunity to do that is Watauga Lake, and we took it.  It was a blast.

Now, I know that you might think that paddling was way easier than hiking, but you would be mistaken.  It was very hard work   I can't even hold my phone up right now.  My arms are cashed.

More importantly, it was fun.

I'll certainly remember today for a very long time.