Date: 2014-05-07
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After walking the extra 0.6 miles to get back on the trail, I was ready to rock the day. I knew it was good to be a challenge and I was pumped up to tackle it.First up was the climb out of the Greasy Creek Gap up to Little Rock Knob. It had a bunch of steep sections that went right up rather than switchback. Towards the top, I encountered lots of large rocks. I had to make some big steps ups which was hard with a heavy pack. oooffff!!!The descent down was pleasant and I ran into the Germans (Sleepy Hollow, Lovis (?) and Chuck). They told me they were also aiming to go to Overmountain Shelter that night and I saw them again at different points during the day.Fourth fall of the hike happened when I tripped over a tree root hidden in some leaves. I tumbled into the leaves and wasn't hurt. I had to brush off leaves everywhere!At Hughes Gap, I didn't see anyone and began the trek up Roan Mountain. The trail starts gradually with wide switchbacks and I started the cruise up. Three day hikers passed me with their friendly black pit ill ( that licked my leg as he passed!). The terrain got steeper and rockier towards the top. I paused for a rest break at Ash Gap and chatted with Mooch for a bit. Mooch, Nuclear and Sunny D were slack packing southbound and told me about the trail conditions ahead. Nuclear sadly reminisced about the long stretch of stones.At the top, I saw Sleepy Hollow climbing a tree. He and Lovis were waiting for their friend Chuck. I took a quick video clip!I read the info panel about the fancy Cloudlands Hotel but there is no trace of it's existence anymore. There wasn't much to do or see at the summit so I made my way down the mountain. The path was extremely stony - like a dried creek bed. I couldn't hike at normal speed because my feet were slip-sliding over the uneven rocks. I passed the Roan Shelter turn off and decided to skip it since I was told it wasn't worth the climb.The closer I got to the bottom, the more maintained the path became. Some of the trail was covered with gravel and black mesh netting. I assume this is for erosion but the netting was peeling up in places and was a major tripping hazard.At Carvers Gap, I looked around for the piped spring but could not find it. I asked a day hiker returning to his vehicle if he knew where it was. He didn't, but instead offered me some if the water in his car. We chatted about Canada for awhile and I was on my way! Thanks for the water!The trail up to Round Bald is heavy used and was similar to a stroller path. The trail got rougher as it moved up to Jane Bald. Jade & Steady were relaxing at the top of Jane and I joined them to admire the view.I really wanted to stay at Overmountain Shelter so I pushed on. I was getting really tired by the end of the day and I cried out in glee when I finally saw the shelter turn off.Overmountain Shelter is a large red barn with room for tons of hikers. The weather was nice so I decided to camp next to Cheer Up and Lil' Nit & her husband Oregon. At the barn, I cooked dinner with Gator, Hurricance, Neon and other hikers. Some section hikers brought marshmallows for everyone to toast over the fire. The barn looks out on a big valley and we saw deer prancing in the distance.