Date: 2005-04-12
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

I was awake before the sun for once. Popped my earphones in and listened to the radio for awhile while it got more light outside. Rain in my future. High clouds and wind out. Nice and cool. Didn't bode well. Set off just after 8 for the assault on Roan Mountain - some 6,200ish ft. above the sea. The climb was somewhat brutal. It got windier as I got higher up, and I got a little rain here and there. Not to mention a steep and rooty trail stood between me and the top. On a more amusing note, I did run into a group of local mountain folk out searching for ramps. Apparently ramps are a leafy wild onion that makes a tasty treat. Didn't stop longer to get the explanation on what they looked like, I got cold standing around. They're some kind of southern Appalachian delicacy, though. But anyway, my summit attempt was slow. Made it up around noonish, and walked out to a clear spot for a view. The clouds were just high enough that I could see a little bit all around. Still not much rain, though. Took some pictures and ambled over to the shelter up top for lunch. It had a log cabin look to it, four walls, windows and everything. High class. There was still some snow and ice on the trail under the fir canopy. Does this stuff ever melt? Walked down to Carver Gap on some well-graded, gravel-covered trail. Still no rain. Next, headed up to the top of a bald. Clouds rolled in and covered the top. The trail went on up over the bald and I could see the trail extend over a long, grassy ridge and up another hill, no cover in sight. No rain. With all the clouds, I was a little concerned about lightning popping up, so I did a little no-lightning dance. Now, my no-lightning dance was apparently much like a rain dance. In fact, I believe it must have been a rain dance. Not five minutes later, I was being poured on. This was also about the same time I was crossing across the aforementioned grassy ridge. Oh yes, perfect timing. And of course, as most exposed ridges have a knack for attracting wind, I found myself in a sideways downpour. Not straight down with some gusts, not sort of sideways, not slanty with a funny look. Sideways. Right to left. Whilst being pelted, I also was being blown off the mountain. Couldn't walk a straight line. No officer, I haven't been drinking. So as my clothing was pressed against me like cling wrap, and the rain was shoving itself through every pore in my pants, jacket and face, I let out a chuckle. For this is the stuff that dreams are made of. Exactly what I pictured when I decided to do this. At least there wasn't any lightning. After what seemed like half an hour the merciful trail gods sent me to the leeward side of a hill. Mercy. Soaked to the bone, I still had a good bit of slogging left to go. About the time I got cold and pissed off, I discovered the side trail to the shelter. This shelter happens to be a big 'ol barn and could fit an army. I climbed into the loft and threw off the wet clothes. I had dry rainpants, never could get those out before it was too late. I was also glad that I picked up a pair of those goofy-looking crocs (hiker camp shoes) in Hot Springs. Dinner was cooked, sleeping bags were gotten into. I was still cold, so I laid in the bag listening to my radio for a couple hours. I was just to the point of being completely spaced out when up the stairs comes Ezra. All the stomping scared the tar out of me. So, two hikers in a big 'ol barn. First hiker I've seen all day. As for me and the weather, this is the first solid soaking I've gotten. Wet tomorrow too, so it should be tons of fun. Oh yeah, the cold is back with it....So much for spring on the trail for a couple days, eh.