Date: 2010-05-21
From:  Overmountain Shelter

To: Elk Park
Miles today: 10.2

Half Left, Mr. Timekeeper, got up early 6:30am to be exact. I had already got up to go the the privy. Upon returning, he says "Don't get back into the sleeping bag, we are up and gonna hike early today, long hike!" Of course, I am NOT a morning person, I wanted to climb back into the bag and wake up gracefully. I grabbed the stove and started the water for coffee, while he climbed back into the bag. "What in the world are you doing?", I said, "Get your butt out of bed!"He thought I wasn't going to listen to him. I was mad and continued my duties. We ate breakfast, packed and started the hike. We were told this is the best part of the hike, the views are unreal! Half Left let me lead since I was a little cranky. We hiked about 1.5 miles and reached Little Hump Mountain. OMG what a view! Grass, huge rocks, mountains 360 degrees around us. The clouds were moving in so our stop was brief. Over the Little Hump north was Hump Mountain a 600 foot climb. It looked like we were in Scotland, green grassy huge mountain. The trail could be seen weaving up the side we were to climb, another incredible sight. I started leading us up the bald, the wind blowing about 40 miles per hour, blowing us sideways. The rain could be seen in the distance, closing in on us. No thunder though which scared us off Beauty Spot a few days earlier. We crested to see a plaque in memory of Stan Murray. The views of Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain (ski resorts in NC), Roan Mountain and the trail leading North were beautiful. We didn't spend a lot of time on the crest because of the rain and wind, but we took a video and lots of photos.The hike down the mountain was 7 miles of rocks, mud, knee hurting downhills. We stopped only a few times for photos and to readjust our packs. Their were massive stone walls, rocks and some views although it was hard to see beyond the clouds. They would blow by pretty fast revealing amazing views of the mountains we had just summitted.We arrived at highway 19E about 3:00, the rain was light and we were tired. We had made arrangement with Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast to stay the night. As we arrived at the road, Half Left looked down to see 2 ice cold beers, 1 Cheerwine, a bottle of water and a gatorade, TRAIL MAGIC and boy was it magic! Half Left's eyes widened and my mouth watered. I said give me the Cheerwine, of course he wanted the beers, one a Gaelic Ale and a Woodchuck, all still very cold. We sat on a rock and enjoyed the refreshments, thanks Trail Angels. The road to Mountain Harbour (19 E) is a highway, fast cars blowing by and a little scary for us. The cars were screaming by as we walked in the emergency lane 1/3 of a mile west. We arrived safely, the proprietors, Terry and Mary said the king bed had canceled and we could have it, yay!!! We were going to have to stay in the RV on 2 single beds. The hostel/bed & breakfast is very clean and inviting. It overlooks their 1800 country home and stream. They have 3 horses, 3 goats, 1 dog and many cats. We felt right at home and very comfortable. Showers, clothes washed and the resupply box my mom sent were so needed. Mom sent fudge which I immediately opened and devoured, plus shared with a couple of hiking friends. It was a highlight, thanks again mom!We were anxious to hear news of our friends, Wild Poodle, Cahoda, Low Key and Red Baron, so as each new hiker came in we asked about each of them. Red Baron was a day ahead, Low Key dropped off at Hot Springs, Wild Poodle was to wait for Cahoda at Carver's Gap at 2:00. It was cold, foggy and rainy so waiting at a gap was not a great thing to do, we were hoping for the best.I charged my phone's battery which is in need of replacement. It only holds a charge for about an hour. As soon as it was ready, I called Wild Poodle, straight to voice mail, then Cahoda, she said her brother Dale was in the hospital with heart problems and she left Wild Poodle a message. I told her to let us know his progress and we would pray for him. Please everyone say a prayer for his speedy recovery. He is having triple bypass Monday the 24th.We spent the evening eating our pizza ordered close by and talking to a couple of section hikers staying in the hostel with us. We decided to join 2 of them on a section north of the hostel and hike back, staying an additional night hoping Wild Poodle would hike in.I also updated some of 5/20 so go back and read it if you want to.