Date: 2014-03-25
From: Unknown tent site

To: Roan Mountain B&B
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light snow

What a day!First of all let me give props to my Big Agnus tent.......Props. When I went to bed last night around 9 there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Even when I answered nature's call at 4am I was in awe of the splendor of the sparkling sky. By around 6 that all changed. I started hearing the patter of precipitation on my tent due to my restless sleep I endured. However my sleeping mat and bag were toasty and there was no need to move for awhile. Ill just turn constantly to my 3 uncomfortable sleeping position till it's time to pack up. Little did I know the swiftness of the accumulation that was transpiring. A quick glimpse, and an instant winter wonderland. 4-5 inches in a heartbeat. (pic above) I was expecting snow, but not till later tonight. Guess I misunderstood the forecast. I wasn't really too worried however. The famous Greasy Creek Friendly was only 4 miles away and for $15 it was a great option for a hostel if needed. I knew the temperatures were supposed to drop in the mid-teens tonight and I was climbing to 6000' today. So when I left camp my mind was set on the hostel. Within a half mile my mind changed. The winds were minimal, the sun was poking out of the clouds, and would it be any better if I waited till tomorrow? I mean the snow isn't going anywhere overnight. In fact it could be worse after partial melting. Could turn slushy, re-freeze and be an impassable mess. Its nothing but dry powder and I have 4 shelters within the next 15 miles incase I need refuge. So i got to the gap where the hostel was only .6 miles downhill I decided to pass. I plowed on with Overmountain Shelter on my mind 17 miles away. And then.....the weather changed. When I stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter for water resupply and a Pop-Tart the winds started to pick up and the snow was falling harder. By the time I got to Little Rock Knob at 5000' I knew I made the wrong choice. I was 14 miles to my projected shelter and blowing snow was driving sideways on my face. My boots were constantly submerged due to the now 6-7 inches on the ground. I thought about going back but I trudged ahead hoping the weather would improve. At Hughes Gap at 4000' I was cold and frustrated. The next climb is 2200' above where I am now and the temperature does not get warmer in that elevation. The road at Hughes Gap is TN 1330, and I couldn't tell if it was a paved road or not. According to my book there is a town 7.5 miles away. Hoping that I had cell service I called Roan Mountain B&B to see if I had options. The lady who answered the phone was named Ann was about as nice and gracious as I could hope for. They usually don't pick up from this gap and the road was a mess, but she had her husband Steve come get/rescue me from the elements. About 30 minutes later I was in a warm truck going about 10mph down this snowy steep road to their place. Steve was super nice and their place is nice as well. Its not your typical hostel. I have my private room and since no one else is here, I have the run of the house. After a long hot shower Steve drove me to the local pizza joint for a large meat lovers. Took it home and ate the whole pizza easily while watching a special on the Lincoln assassination on the History Channel. Snow is still falling btw.We will see how I feel in the morning. Sun is supposed to come out, but Roan Mountain is going to be a test either way. Wishing the snow and cold will end now and warmer weather comes soon. But I know in a couple of months I will be complaining about how hot it is. Song of the day, Baby I Love Your Way, Peter Frampton. No movies are sticking with me for some reason.. :/