Decided the day before to go run some of the AT. Saw a bear yesterday while running from Watauga Lake to Dennis Cove & back. It was about 60 yards away & ran away as soon as it saw me. I was way more calm than I thought I'd be. I've been preparing for this day for a long time. :) Lot of rocks. Going north up Pond Mountain is tough (1700' climb). Laurel Falls is supposed to be one of the best on the entire Appalachian Trail.
