It got foggy and rainy, and no one wanted to go anywhere. Around 8am we finally started moving. The rain was intermittent, and the sun was trying hard to break through. Slowly we packed up and left around 9:20, and it stayed dry for the rest of the day, and sun eventually came out.
A bit of a tough morning with climbs, but Adam and I made it to a shelter for a lunch break and snacked big time, waiting for our third. Robert/PJ huffed it in (after over-shooting the shelter sign and climbing a hill only to descend), threw down his pack, went directly over to a block of cheese (knife beside), cut himself a huge chunk and popped it in his mouth while Adam and I said "it's not ours!" He mumbled "I don't care if it's a little mushy," and thought we'd said "it's not hard." There were four other hikers snacking behind the shelter, and their stuff was spread around. It was pretty funny... (if you were there...?) Minutes later, Robert/PJ brought out a can of sardines, which I tried, and I realize that I quite enjoy sardines with crackers! Not sure if I had ever tried them before. Now I may have to buy a can or two at some point...
The afternoon was when the real climbing would be. The last 3 miles climbed 2000 feet! Robert/PJ was going at a slower pace, and Adam and I took off. We caught up to Xan and Brian on Little Knob. They had a later start than we did in the morning, but they didn't stop at the shelter for lunch. Passed them, but knew they'd catch back up. Got a bit of trail magic from two ladies in a minivan with at least 3 kids on the back. They were waiting at the road to see a "real thru hiker." We got a handfull of dried blueberries and a Clementine each - perfect energy for the climb - and then they drove off. Funny.
I'm not sure what I expected as for climbing Roan Mountain, but I think it was the steepest, longest-sustained climb so far on the AT. It was pretty brutal and it KEPT GOING!! Energizer bunny mountain, of sorts... Adam and I stopped for water (at a water source where we had to go [seemed like] half a mile downhill before getting to it!?! Bad choice...) and Xan and Brian caught up. They were doing another 20-miler because one of Brian's friends would be meeting up with them tomorrow.
It was getting cold out, too. The wind was whipping the trees around, and the temperature at the higher altitude was definitely cooler. There actually is a freeze warning out tonight. (I almost sent my beanie home in hot springs!)
So Adam and I charged up, taking few breaks, but we stopped to leave an encouraging note for Robert, and soon we had finally made it to the highest shelter on the AT (6,275 feet). Amazingly, it has FOUR WALLS with a DOOR and an upstairs. Cute little cabin thing. A hiker named "Backwards" was here, but no one else. We'd heard that a bunch of people were going to bypass this shelter because it was going to be so cold tonight. We wanted to stay in it. Tomorrow morning, though cold, should be all downhill...
Adam and I made dinner and chatted with "Backwards" (from Golden, Colorado! (shout out to Conner)), and right as we were finishing, Robert walked in (note: he now would like to be called "Iron Horse"). We all got settled in the warmer-than-outside shelter, and "Powder" showed up with his dog, Russell. More chatting and eating and now we're all cozy in sleeping bags. Sounds so blustery outside!! I hope it isn't too cold in the morning, but I have a feeling it will be... maybe more snow...? (brrr)
(15.6)
-- Posted from the trail...
Location:Roan High Knob Shelter
1 comment:
Why is his name Backwards? Is this a nickname and how did he come about this nickname. Miss you!
Alecia
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