Date: 2003-04-15
From: Overmountain Shelter 

To: US19E
Miles today: 8.7

What a day today was! First, the weather was great: sunny, not too hot, very few clouds. But the views were just, once again, awesome! I know I keep saying that, but it's true. Some of my favorite spots, or spots I didn't see the view due to fog or clouds, I've written down on my Places to Revisit list. Today and yesterday, I added at least four to that list.Right out ofthe shelter, the climb took us up Little Hump Mountain. It was a long climb, but provided views of surrounding mountains all the way up. It sure makes the effort seem less. Just before the top of Little Hump, there were some huge rocks, and Hotdog and I stopped there to look around and sit for a break. Then we finished the climb to the peak, and that's when we saw Hump Mountain. Only 130' taller than Little Hump, and just as incredible. Both mountains are grassy balds, my favorite. I could stay on a grassy bald for hours! Actually, between the two, I guess I did.Coming down Hump Mountain, I saw something ahead on the trail that I'd been told about...longhorn cattle. As we got closer, Hotdog and I realized they were grazing right on the AT. We snapped several pictures, and politely went around them. There were a dozen or more, including a momma and her calf and cattle with horns that looked deadly. Luckily, the cattle didn't pay too much attention to us, chewing as they watched us walk by.We stopped for lunch on a bright green grassy meadow, overlooking a small town. During that break, I was tempted to find shade, as the sun was beating down, and we were protected from any wind. But...we stayed until lunch was through, then made our way down toward the road crossing. On the way down we saw Slow Ride, heading up to Hump Mountain with his girlfriend Shiela. We hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks! He said he's actually behind us now, after taking some time off while his girlfriend is visiting. I'm sure he'll be caught up soon. Hotdog and I had planned on going to Buchanan's Country Store for resupply. According to our information, tenting was also offered and a bar, the Beer Wash, on the property as well. We got to the road and started hitchhiking. It took about 20 minutes, and a couple picked us up. The lady has hiked the southern AT in sections. We asked about Buchanan's, and they said the owner had died several months back and they thought the store was closed. It was. The couple kindly took us to a grocery in Roan Mountain, TN, less than four miles from the trail. They even offered us a ride back to the trail, if we were just in for a quick resupply. We told them we thought we'd get something to eat, since we had time. Boy, was that the right choice! We ate at Bob's Dairyland. Good eats! Before we left for the grocery, which is right across the street, we told them we'd probably be back. Roan Mountain Supermarket is going out of business after 23 years, and supplies are getting l! ow. The current owners think it'll be re-opened under new management, but not sure when. It was enough for our needs. After getting a few goodies, we went back for shakes. Once again, good stuff! Unfortunately, it was almost 6pm, and we thought we'd better get back to the trail. A young lady gave us a ride back to the trail. Thank you for the ride!We are currently camped right along a swift-flowing creek at US19E. Hopefully the cars won't be too bothersome, but with the noise of the water, the sound of cars is dulled quite a bit. I also have my trusty earplugs, should road noise, or Hotdog's snoring keep me awake.I've been enjoying hiking later into the day, but I think that will temporarily come to an end. I'm already going to be in Damascus at least 2 days before my scheduled drop date, and if I hike more miles, I'll be there possibly too early to get my drop.I guess I'll just have to spend more time sightseeing and take longer breaks during the day. Or maybe take naps during the day. Or read. Or just lollygag. Or I could take a zero or two in Damascus. The options are nearly endless! And I'll decide as the situation arises.By the time I get to Kincora Hostel in two days, I'll be over the 400 mile mark. It seems unbelievable to me. Hotdog and I still celebrate each 10 miles. A few years ago, I had no idea I'd ever hike ONE hundred miles on one trip, nevermind FOUR hundred! I told Hotdog, the hiking part is easy: You just keep walking. But the hard part is to do it day after day after day. So far, that has not been difficult for me. Sure, mountains wear me out, my feet hurt, I get new blisters every week, my knees ache every morning, it's too hot or too cold, but the key for me is that every day is different from the last. And I never know what tomorrow will bring. That is a great feeling!