It's been a tough couple of days for the Crew trying to press on to Boone for several days of deserved rest. Spoke with Adam today, everyone is well, and they are certainly grateful for the blue sky and sunshine today. Yesterday was a tough day, the third day of rain/clouds/wind and a huge climb at the end of the day up Roan Mountain (2,500 feet elevation gain over a short 3 miles....that's tough!). Adam said it was one of the more difficult days of their hike so far.
Mosey is doing well, but Adam said he can tell Mosey is losing weight, despite eating like a small horse. Last night they stayed at Roan High Knob Shelter (the highest elevation shelter on the trail at 6,275 feet). This shelter has a loft, and sleeps 15+ people. Originally, this shelter was an old firewarden's cabin, but was renovated 1980 by the Cherokee National Forest employees.
The trail along Roan Mountain is beautiful, if you can actually see it, which Adam said visibility was limited, at best. This past summer our family spent some time hiking along Roan Mountain, check out the pics....
Tonight, the Crew is staying at Apple House Shelter, an old shelter which was originally built in 1952 to hold explosives for a nearby quarry. It was renovated in 1984 by the Forest Service. The shelter is very close to Rt. 19 in Roan Mountain, which can sometimes be attractive to locals looking for a place to hang out!
On Sunday, the Crew will be picked up by Dori's dad, Rick, who will be treating them to some trail magic. Later Sunday afternoon, Kat's parents will pick the Crew up and drive to Wilkesboro for an Engagement Party for Kat's sister. On Monday, the Crew will be back on the trail for a 23 mile slack pack hike (slack packing is hiking with a small backpack with bare essentials...water, snacks, etc which can help you accomplish big miles because you aren't carrying a 40 lb. pack all day). Monday night and Tuesday, they will be back at the cabin with Dori's dad, and then Wed hanging in Boone with their college friends. On Thursday, it's back on the trail at Rt 321 at Watauga Lake. Should be some fun for everyone...stay tuned for updates.
Going back in the archives, here are a few photos from April 1996 when Adam and I crossed the Nolichucky River and climbed up the other side. Adam and the salamander shows a typical hiking activity Adam enjoyed, keeping track of how many salamanders we found during the day, and then having some fun playing with them. The next photo is at a place called Beauty Spot, a small bald area south of Roan Mountain. 
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