Date: 2015-04-24
From: Carvers Gap

To: Bear Branch Road
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

4/24/15 Carvers Gap to Bear Branch Road going north. The Iceman started his climb to Lane Bald.   On his way up, he could look back at Roan MT and looking ahead of him about 5 miles he saw Hump Mt. As he dropped down into Yellow Mt. Gap he spied a plaque honoring the Overmountain Men. These men were a contingent of about 1000 who crossed the Appalachians at this gap to defeat a British Force, in what is now Tennessee, during the Revolutionary War. On to Hump Mt. where the Bald is at least 400 to 600 acres and the view on a clear sunny day, and that was today, encompassed a 50 mile radius. Now onto the descent which was very difficult for the Iceman since part of the trail consisted of 3 to 5 foot high boulders. When you're going north you often don't see anyone for hours and this day the Iceman only saw 4 young men, near the end of his hike, and these fellows passed him. The Sherpa dropped off the Iceman at Carvers Gap in 36 degree weather that morning and of course it was windy, as it always is on the top of a mountain. Driving down the long winding road to the main street in Roan Mountain a VW Bus was spotted pulled over onto a grassy turnout. Here was an opportunity to take a photo of the bus that had been seen near another spot on the AT a week or so before. (See photo) When have you last seen a vehicle with solar panels on it's side? Is it a support vehicle for an AT hiker? Possibly! It looks lived in. The thought came to the Sherpa that today would be a nice day to visit Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, established in 1779, so off went the Sherpa happy it was sunny and getting warmer with each hour. Arriving in Jonesborough just before lunch it seemed a good idea to stop at the Visitors Center to find out which sites were worth seeing. The very kind woman in the center recommended visiting several historic sites and suggested three restaurants for lunch and then directed me to Main street. Turning onto Main street, the first shop that came into view was a chocolate store named, Earth and Sky. A man in his 70's helped me chose 10 beautiful pieces of chocolate. His wife and son were the chocolatiers. They were as exquisite as any found in the shops of the big cities of the world. At noon it was time to sample the local food and "The Dining Room" was just the spot. The owner, from Venezuela and New York offered a Cuban inspired menu which was a nice change from the usual country fare. A glass of wine, excellent mushroom soup and a perfect green salad followed by Tres Leches cake and a cup of coffee hit the spot. Delicious! A visit to the International Storytelling Center was next. I'll bet NO ONE outside of Tennessee has heard of this place. It is wonderful. During the year storytellers from all parts of the country and outside the country come to tell stories in a small venue but come October more than 26,000 people arrive in Jonesborough for the National Storytelling Festival. It was time to pick up the Iceman who was an hour and some minutes away. The Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City will be our next base camp beginning Sunday. Forgot to mention that the Sherpa checked out the hotel before going to Jonesborough and found it a good location for the next three days. Phew! Just to much happening. Will write about today's hike tomorrow.