Appalachian Trail SOBO Day 99 – The Roan Highlands
2nd November 2023
US 19E (1803.1) - Clyde Smith Shelter (1827.9)
Daily miles: 24.8
Total miles: 1816.8
It was absolutely roasting in our room last night night. The heater was pumping out all night, which makes me think that the night before maybe the electricity went off because the heater wasn’t going all night and it was absolutely freezing.
It was easy to get up this morning because I was well rested and I wanted to get going because I knew it was going to be a big day with over 7000ft of elevation and the cold.
She can’t see you but she knows you’re there
I left the hostel at 8:15am, walked the short road walk back to the trail and it was -5°C / 23°F but it didn’t feel too bad.
I started out with my new leggings that I picked up from dollar general which are a large child’s size and they only just fit so I have my shorts on over the top, and my waterproof trousers on. I have my fleece and jacket on. As I start to climb I’m pretty instantly too hot so the fleece comes off. I hike slowly so I don’t sweat too much because as soon as I sweat I get chilled.
Mountain Harbour hostel
A cold start
Early morning road walk
Very cold in celsius is also very cold in Farenheit
As I got higher the sun came out and it warmed up a bit, it was one of those days where the hat, buff and gloves were on and off constantly to try and regulate my temperature, and my sunglasses came out for the first time in forever as we got above the trees and the sun was super bright in the clear blue sky.
There was frost on the ground and frozen puddles, but the temperature had gone up to about 9°C / 48°F (it hit a high of 11°C / 52° F today)
Rocks and leaves
Warming up in the sun
Moss covered rocks
Patches of ice in the shade
The trail was so beautiful above the trees on the balds. Rabbit Foot passed me and I could see him far ahead on the trail which is unusual for this trail. Going over Little Hump mountain was just a feast for the eyes whichever way you looked. I wasn’t going quickly through this part of the trail because I just wanted to soak it up, but also the trail was nice and smooth so it was easy walking. There were a few day hikers up here and that’s why the trail was nicely maintained!
Approach to Hump mountain
Such a beautiful day
The moon
360 views
Took way too many photos today
Climbing up to the summit
Wearing my children’s sized leggings
Ice on the trail
The trail stretching out along the ridge
Warm enough
Hunters tent with wood burning stove inside
Maybe it snowed up here yesterday
Follow the white blazes
Little Hump mountain
Layers of mountains
Loved this trail today
Jane Bald
Views for days
It was slow going because there was just too much to look at
Also no leaves on the trail!
I saw Late Start just as we were about to get into the woods again and he said something like… he didn’t expect to see me because I left so early. I left early because I hike slower than everyone else!
Late Start
Back into the forest
After a bit of a descent it was time for the climb up to Roan Mountain and by this point I was in my normal hiking clothes plus leggings and it was ok, until I got to the top. The trail was so nice on the way up. Switchbacks and wide and easy. I was climbing up to over 6000ft and there was snow on the trail. It was about 3°C / 37°F up here but the wind was colder, and this was around 3pm so last night and tonight up here will be horrible.
Avoid the ice
Getting colder on the ascent to Roan Mountain
A dusting of snow
Staying warm if I keep moving
These shoes have absolutely no grip left
Just a chimney in the forest
I was happy to begin a quite big descent down the other side and I had to layer up again on the downhill. But I flew down, I went so fast. It was such nice trail.
I wasn’t on track to get to the shelter before dark but I made up so much time going downhill that I was back on track to make it by 6:30pm
Peepo
Sunset
That light through the trees, I love it
The sun goes down
I got to the shelter after another small uphill, and a little downhill, and there were 4 guys there. Section hikers. There were 3 in the shelter and one in a hammock. I was the first one in our group there and I took a spot in the shelter. I then when straight down to get water. I had barely drunk anything, and most of the water sources today were totally frozen. The water wasn’t that far away but it was further than I wanted to go. It was flowing out a pipe and it was fast and clear.
Fast fresh and clear
When I got back to the shelter Rabbit Foot and Neptune had arrived, then Late Start and Thigh High.
I made my noodles and a hot chocolate but I still didn’t drink any water because it was too cold!
Hendrix and Robin Hood came in - he was going to sleep at Roan Mountain high shelter but changed his mind when he discovered how cold it was.
Jet and Toe arrived and it was nice because everyone had a pretty good day. I barely saw anyone all day but it was nice to have a day on my own and then see everyone at the shelter.
I could probably say loads more about today but it’s cold and I’m now in my sleeping bag hoping I stay warm enough tonight because I’m on the edge now.
The rest of the crew show up at 8:45pm.
