Date: 2010-05-07
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

I arise early today, 5:30a, with plans to put in a big mileage day. The destination I want to reach is Overmountain Shelter, an old 2-story red barnhouse that's been converted into a hiker shelter. I've read about this shelter and am motivated to reach this unique stop, so different from the standard 3-sided small shelters that have defined my shelter experience on the trail to date. The main obstacle to this shelter, besides the 22.5 miles that separates me in the morning, is a peak called Roan Mountain that climbs from 4000 ft to 6200 ft over 3 miles, the climb starting around the 13 mile point in the days hike.The morning hike breezes by, I'm on the trail by 6:30a and make the first 10 miles by 10:00a. I feel good, all systems go, the weather still has that morning chill before the sun gets too high and there's a light breeze. I reach Roan Mtn around noon and after a short break begin my ascent. The trail up is steep and it's soon clear that this will be one of those climbs without the benefit of switchbacks but rather the more direct and sadistic route. This climb is a beast with root and rock steps that are often knee high. I take one plodding, methodical step after another, the steep variable route making it impossible to establish any kind of rhythm or pace. I listen to my iPod on the ascent, finishing 3 full discs before summiting.The summit itself is rather disappointing, void of any majestic views due to the abundant tree coverage. The trees near the summit are interesting though, thick glades of fir trees that thrive at the high altitude, giving off the strong smell of pine that conjures images of Christmas tree stands. I'm glad to be descending though, with the knowledge that the worst is behind me. The descent is arduous in its own way with fist-sized rocks scattered about the trail forcing careful steps against already tender feet. The real thrill of the day though comes near the bottom of hill when I come across a rock with an unopened bag of apples sitting atop. I glance around suspiciously before realizing I've just encountered my first piece of trail magic! I open the bag and savor each bite of a delicious Macintosh. I continue on and it only gets better as I see 6 cans of soda neatly placed and chilling in a mountain brook -- 4 Mountain Dews and 2 Dr. Peppers! I do the Dew and start guzzling, immensely pleased with my good fortune. I then come to a road crossing and chat with some locals up for day hike who surprise me with 2 chewy granola bars!! All thoughts of that wretched mountain are long gone now, and re-energized I attack the remaining 5 miles with vigor.I make the barn shelter just before 5:00p and by all appearances its everything I imagined it to be; a big red barn with hay loft converted for hikers to bed down, spectacular views of the mountains, and grassy meadows in the valley below -- I expect the Von Trapps to come yodeling around the bend soon! I set up in the loft and before long my friends begin arriving, Paul Bunyan first, followed by Squirrel and H.M.D., then Miles, and finally Scatters who hiked an extra mile by blowing past the shelter before realizing her mistake. The mood is light and spirits are high. Today was a good day.