Date: 2023-05-05
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a tough day. I got started later than normal, around 8:30am, and had to do a 0.6 mile hike from the hostel back to the trailhead. I think I mentioned this yesterday, but it's not marked at all and there were several forks on my way out that I had to make an educated guess on which one to take. Fortunately with the help of the FarOut app, I was able to navigate my way back to where I needed to be.Once I got back on the trail, the first 5 or so miles weren't terrible, but there were enough climbs that it did tire me out. This is significant because the last 4 or 5 miles was the climb up Roan Mountain. It was basically three solid hours of almost all uphill. The total elevation change was about 2,500 feet. There was a small section that was flat, but that was right before the final climb of about 950 feet. It was at this flat section that I did take a little nap. Several miles earlier I had crossed paths with a hiker named Steve that I've run into before. When we got to that flat area, we decided to take a rest break. He went off to get some water, so I just leaned back on my pack that was on the ground and took about a 10-15 minute nap. It did help a little with that last 950 foot climb.Right before the start of the Roan climb is Hughes Gap. About half a mile before, a rather elaborate sign that said trail magic ahead was posted. With a sign like that, the expectations were pretty high. And it did not disappoint. Chipmunk, CK, and Patience, thru-hikers from last year had several tents setup with chairs all over. They were making tacos for Cinco de Mayo. One guy was toasting the tortillas and grilling the meat, there was a table that had all kinds of taco toppings. They had junk food, beer, pop, water and a bunch of other stuff as well. It was one of the best trail magic setups that I've been to. I'm not sure though whether it helped or hurt my Roan climb. On the one hand, I ended up relaxing and eating for about 45 minutes. On the other hand, I probably ate 5 lbs of food which I then had to carry up the mountain with me.When I finally got to the top, I got to see where there used to be a pretty luxurious hotel in the 1800s. The only thing remaining is some of the foundation. Though it would be kind of neat to have a hostel/hotel at the top of the mountain that hikers could stay at. But, I'll have to settle for the Roan High Knob Shelter instead. It's the highest shelter on the AT and unlike most shelters so far, it is completely enclosed with windows, a door, and two levels. It's closer to a cabin than like the other shelters on the trail.Breakfast: A sundae glass filled with fresh fruit and topped with whipped cream. A glass of milk with chocolate syrup and some cheddar cheese grits. I did like the grits that Cee Cee made better than the other grits I tried, though it's still not my breakfast item of choice.Lunch: I got to the awesome trail magic around noon. Just in time for lunch. I had two beef tacos with refried beans, lettuce, rice, and cheese. I also had two Capri Suns, a banana, some watermelon, and a chocolate peanut butter brownie.Recovery Drink: 8 scoops of Carnation Instant BreakfastDinner: Applewood bacon Instant mashed potatoes with two packets of Starkist BBQ chicken. Dessert: Sour Patch Kids