Date: 2014-05-04
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Roan Mtn, TN.
Miles today: 8.7

The hike back up to Overmountain shelter was all uphill, and a tad painful. I went to sleep at a reasonable hour, and while I was certainly grateful for being well-fed last night, I felt sluggish and heavy in the morning.Fortunately, the hike out of the parking lot proved to be a nice warm-up for what would be a tough day of hiking. Today featured two considerable climbs: The first, up Little Hump Mountain, and the second, up Hump Mountain. The hike up Little Hump wasn't exactly easy, but I took my time, and was at the top in a little over an hour. The trail itself resembled something like a narrow drainage ditch, packed with loose rocks. Definitely not ideal hiking terrain, though I'm becoming a veteran at hiking in these conditions. Near the top of Little Hump, I noticed a number of hikers taking a break, and enjoying a 360 degree view of the valley below. Again, I felt fortunate that the weather was perfect; not a cloud in the sky, with mild temperatures. One factor complicating today's hike was the wind. I clearly remember nearly being blown over when summiting Thunderhead Mountain in the Smokey's, and the wind today was stronger, and sustained. The wind would grab my pack, forcing me to hike sideways, while loose rocks shifted under my feet. Maybe it wasn't as bad as it sounds, but it did make for slow going.Then came the climb up Hump Mountain. The wind was strong on Little Hump, and even stronger while making the Hump Mountain summit. I'm not sure what windspeed will blow a grown man over, but I did witness a day-hiker get blown off his feet by a wind gust. I didn't catch the whole scene (I was trying not to get blown over myself) but I'm guessing the wind blew him off balance, and he rolled an ankle, sending him to ground. He did however, jump right back up, and waved me off when I went over to see if he was okay. I'm not sure what compelled me to do it, but I bought a new backpack accessory while I was at Uncle Johnny's: a lanyard, which I fastened to my pack with a slip knot. The other end featured a metal clip that I hooked to my hat. There was absolutely no way my hat would've stayed in my possession without it! As I was climbing down Hump Mountain, I noted a blind hiker aided by a German Shepherd service dog. Apparently, this guy started solo, but was being aided by his dog and a few other hikers who would describe upcoming terrain. I can't imagine how difficult hiking blind must be. One section of the trail today featured several MILES of downhill boulder hopping. It's difficult enough jumping nimbly-wimbly from boulder to boulder with 35 pounds strapped to your back, but to add being blind to the task? Wow. I didn't see him after I passed him coming off Hump Mountain, but I hope he did okay. Oh, it's poor form to pet a service dog while it's working. I happened to know this, but a lot of others did not.The day ended with a stay at Mountain Harbor Hostel. We didn't arrive until after 5pm, which was when the last ride into town left. By the time we got there, the place was out of almost everything related to food. Except microwaveable items. And we couldn't manage a ride into town. The owners were very nice, and were apologetic for being sold out of "luxury" foods, like pizza and ice cream. We had no one to blame but ourselves for showing up late. Now, there was a staff member there who was a bit gruff, and finally managed to piss me off by the end of the night. When I arrived, this staff member told me if I wanted my laundry done, she needed my dirty clothes immediately. So, I stripped out of my clothes in front of everyone, and tossed them in a basket with SuperFeet and Barnacles' clothes. I had some semi-clean clothes to wear, but there was no way I was taking a shower and putting dirty clothes on. I'd rather skip the shower and laundry than do that. So, when I got my clean clothes back at 830pm, I took a shower. The staffer made some smart-assed comment about "people waiting until the last minute" to take a shower after they'd "been here for hours." Now look. I understand this place is blown out by hikers. I understand that she's busy, and stressed out. But it's also prime-time hiking season, and these things should be expected by people managing a hostel right off the trail! But, instead of being a wise ass, I held my tongue (with a great deal of self-reatraint) and took a 10 minute shower. I'd also made reservations for a $12 breakfast in the morning. I heard lots of people moaning about the cost of breakfast, but I'll say this: It was probably the best breakfast I'd ever had. Ever. Everything was made from scratch, including quiches, fresh squeezed OJ, ham, roast beef, coffee cakes, eggs, the works. It's worth staying there if for no other reason than eating breakfast!