April 3rd - Day 30 - Greasy Creek Friendly to Overmountain Shelter
We are greeted with flashing light, rain, and the sound of revving ATVs. Connie's neighbor is out doing who knows what at 4 and 5 in the morning. He comes by in between ATV runs to flash lights into the bunkhouse. What a people person.

16.9 miles today. Not initially sure if we would hike out. It's pouring rain and thundering in the valley, but conventional knowledge is silly on the AT. When its thundering, go to the highest point you can. Up and over the last 6000 foot mountain until Mt. Washington in NH. Roan Mountain was a great hike, stared a little sloppy but the sun came out around noon. There was even ice after 5000 feet or so, giving it that air conditioned feel. Most of the upper mountain is in the wonderful smelling coniferous forest. The summit is up a side trail from the Roan High Knob Shelter. I just pick up water and eat lunch. I meet Cheeseburger and Baggie for the first time, a couple hiking together, tomorrow is Cheeseburger's birthday. A round of high five were had to celebrate this mountain. I initially wanted to stay up here on the mountain, but another storied shelter is only 8 more miles, and it's all downhill.

Blink headed in to the Overmountain Shelter

I read about the Overmountain Shelter before coming out on trail. It is worth all the hype. Huge open barn. Hikers just find some flat space and lay out. there are 12 hikers here tonight are no-one is within an arms reach of another. I think I had read that the sunrise is supposed to be magnificent so maybe ill try to get up early.I run into Tree Frog and Squirrel again as they're setting up camp at Stan Murray shelter. Rambo, Blink, Dan, Halfmoon, Live, Mama Bear, 3 mile, and Trutle are here. there are some sections pitched up in the lower floor.

NB The Overmountain privy is absolutely top notch. An unforgetable destination for all visitors to the area.