Date: 2008-05-09
From: Iron Mountain

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

If only my Thermorest was as comfortable as this couch I slept on,Oh well, time to go. My pack was heavy with food, this next stretch is about 90 miles before reaching Damascus. It's surprising how Tuna, instant potatoes, rice, oatmeal etc... can add up to several extra pounds. Then throw in some peanut butter, bagels/wraps, snickers & some other treats and you basically are hauling a shopping cart with shoulder straps.It rained all night and is still going this morning. The Okies were there to say goodbye as we loaded in the shuttle. I was hungry and glad to be stopping at Hardees again before we hit the trail. Back to the top of Iron Mountain, only this time heading north. We thanked CB for the ride. He is a colorful character that was helping out Johnny. CB spends his time on the AT during the winter months. He is a hard-core dude who enjoys his solitude. Deciding what gear to carry and what to do without, seems to always be in the balance. I already know that I can weather tough conditions and function while being miserable, however, I also know that a few extra ounces, such in the case of rain pants is well worth the protection when you really need it.I rely on rain gear more for warmth than to keep dry. You're going to sweat and you will be wet regardless, but you dont't have to be chilled while you're doing it. Today was cold, windy and had the dampness that got into your bones.The last 3.3 miles were a steep up. Roan Mountain, will always be known as "Groan Mountain to me. Water was running down the trail, it was as if you were trying to climb up waterfalls all day. There was alot of fog and views were non existant. This forest had a different feel than some of the others? Finally upon reaching the top was the shelter. It was actually a cabin with a door and it had a loft. In this weather it was much better than the usual 3 sided shed. We stood in disbelief in seeing the amount of trash that was left here. I didn't realize until the next day that we were near a road. People can drive within a mile of here. After the climb we did today, it was like taking a blow to the gut! We cleaned out the shelter and decided to stay in the loft. There was even a large ziploc bag full of urine left behind. To %$@#!* lazy to climb down or use a pee bottle, then to just leave it? "Mutant waste-product" is the most polite description I have for the individual responsible for this.Almost always, the watersource is back down the hill on another path away from the shelter. Sometimes it's the last thing you want to do when you arrive at camp, but it's the first thing I always do. Chores before food.This was probably the most dismal water source I have ever used.The spring was a trickle into the salad bowl sized puddle. It was shallow and would be difficult to dip from it. My pump water filter came in handy.I noticed along the bottom there were flat white worms. What kind of assholes were here?Although in extreme dampness, I strung a line and used the wind to help dry my gear. I ate dinner twice and still went to bed hungry. It was late afternoon, sometimes I would still be hiking, but now I'm in the loft,in my bag.A little later there were voices down below, I could tell by their conversation that they were not thru-hikers. I went down to checkout the situation. Sprite & Fereckles were upstairs and out of sight right now. My first concern was for them and to make sure there would be no compromise with their safety.Fortunately, as it turned out, we met some good people. "Brandon" was a localwho had a great fire going in no time. He had brought in some dry wood. Thanks buddy! Next there were 3 men doing a section together. Dennis-"Two Moons" from Ella Jay,(I passed through there on the way to Springer). Next was Clifford & Wayne from Augusta Georgia.We all talked around the fire and put a good ending on an otherwise lousy day."Two-Moons" shared with us how he got his name? In short, it was given to him by an Indian friend, whom was observing Dennis while he was doing some plumbing.I'll leave the rest up to you.It was a cold windy night, but sleep came and all was well from the top of Roan Mountain.