Date: 2015-05-02
From: Apple Orchard campsite

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Like the old John Denver song, " Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy ...", the day at Apple Orchard started out with sunshine and everyone and everything seemed happier. The birds were chirping loudly, the woodpeckers were banging away with gusto, the campers were reveling in the sunshine after two days of rain. Tents could be dried out, clothes hung up to dry, and packs would be lighter without wet stuff. Count and Lavender were the first to pack up and leave, and they were moving quickly so I doubt I'll catch up with them. I was the next to leave and I headed toward Roan Mountain. I didn't have a definite goal, but Chicago's group were set on getting to Overmountain Shelter, 21 miles away.After about 5 miles of fairly modest ups and downs the trail started a more serious climb up Little Rock Knob. From the top of the knob were excellent views of the Tennessee side of the Appalachians. I spread out all my stuff on the rocks to dry and had lunch with a fine view. Chicago and Salty caught up with me here and continued on toward Roan Mountain. A number of day hikers also came by and took in the view.I packed things up and headed down 1000 feet into Hughes Gap and then started the 2200 foot climb up Roan Mountain. At Hughes Gap there were lots of cars parked with local hikers and so there were a lot of day hikers on the trail, some well prepared and some not, for the climb up Roan. The climb was long and steady but with a number of switchbacks, and great views.After climbing about 2.5 miles I reached what I had hoped was the summit, but what was really just Ash Gap. Ash Gap was beautiful and green, and was a good place to rest up before the final 800 feet up Roan. I met up with Chicago, Bagels, and their group here as they were resting up. The day was still warm and sunny, perfect weather for the climb up Roan which tops out at a little above 6200 feet. Chicago's group was still determined to make Overmountain Shelter, 7 miles past Roan's summit so they headed up. I took off shortly thereafter and passed Salty, Carly, and Bandit during the climb. Once on top of Roan High Bluff it was beautiful, lacking great views because of the dense spruce trees, but satisfying to be on top. I continued following the AT and eventually came to the turnoff for the shelter and Roan High Knob, and as it was 5:30 didn't think I could make it to any of the next major campsites. I got to the shelter and one hiker named "Chuckie" was there. It was his first time backpacking and he was attempting to hike to Georgia on the AT with limited experience, limited equipment, and limited funds. Shortly thereafter Carly and Salty showed up to get water, Bandit was still missing, and they were trying to decide what to do. Salty eventually convinced Carly they should go to Overmountain shelter with the others, even though it meant hiking at night.After they left, Boots and WannaBe, a father and son duo showed up, and then Piston, a Canadian showed up. We all ate and then Boots and Chuckie made a great fire that kept us warm while we talked around the campfire. Hiker midnight came a little later because of Boots' wonderful fire, but by 10 we were all headed for our sleeping bags. It was a going to be a really cold night up on top of Roan, and we were grateful for a day of Sunshine to climb it.