Wed 06 Oct - Cherry Gap Shelter

Cold, below freezing last night at elevation. Day warmed into the 40s, still gusty breezes at times.

Up early and got shuttle with James to Carver Gap arriving at 8:15. As we rounded the last turn we saw that the peak of Roan Mountain was covered in white. As we parked, realized the wind was coming through the gap at 30+ mph. As we got out of the car, realized the gusts could push you over. As James drove away, I wondered if we were really ready for this day. With full packs we headed up to cross Roan Mountain.

Fortunately, the trees shielded us somewhat from the wind, at least until we got to the top. It was slow hiking due to slippery conditions. Plus we kept stopping to take pictures.

We saw something I have only see a few times in my life. When the moist air passes by the trees, it freezes on every twig and small branch. It forms white ribbons on all the small branches in the downwind direction. It happened up there and I tried to get a picture.

It stayed cold and breezy all day. At times we were too hot, sweating, then cold so we were constantly changing clothes. Eventually became a pretty fall day although still cold.

In the shelter we met Sampson, someone we sheltered with in Pennsylvania. He also was flip flopping except he is going south from Harper's Ferry to Springer. He is the first of many people we hope to see again. Later came Speaker. We met him in Maine. He like Sampson was doing a flip flop. Also met Easy. He is someone we just passed on the trail in New Hampshire. Hope to see more people we know.

Also in the shelter with us was Man Child. He is 18 years old, Mennonite, and from Ohio. Pretty cool that he is out here alone hiking 200+ miles of the AT.

We hiked 17 miles back into Erwin and the hostel. Tomorrow we get a shuttle south to Allen Gap and hike three days back north to Erwin.

It is cold tonight and I can't type.