Okay, so we didn't get our early start like we said we would. The morning weather was awful! We slept on the bottom level of the red barn in hopes of a sunrise because the view from the shelter was facing that direction and offered a kingly view of the valley. We did wake up early and even were packed and ready to go by 7:45, however just as we were ready to depart, a huge cloud of fog rolled in along with gale-force winds. I took one look and stated that I didn't want to leave - fortunately the guys agreed, so we unpacked, climbed into our sleeping bags and played a round of Spades. Around 10 am the weather changed favorably and we made a run for it. The morning was beautiful, but windy, especially on Little Hump and Hump Mountains. The winds gusted around 30 - 50 mph; enough to repeatedly push me off the the treadway. We had great views for most of it, but then the weather turned foul again and the mountaintop was surrounded by a cloud and bone-chilling winds. Apparently African Longhorn steer graze those mountaintops; we however, only saw their evidence in the form of cow-pies. I heard that this species is the only one that eats briars and angelica.
We finally made our way to Rt. 19 and started walking towards Roan Mt. After 20 minutes, a generous fella in a pickup truck offered us a ride. He dropped us off next at the post office and off we went. During this brief town trip, a father and daughter overheard us talk about where we might find lodging for the night and they invited us to stay with them. Trail Angels Rock! We accepted their offer and then made our introductions. Our angels were Erik and Erin Anderson, from the DC area and part-time from Roan Mt.
Erik drove us to the grocery store where we resupplied and then took us home. They had extra beds and offered us use of the laundry machines and showers before we sat down for dinner - so nice to be clean again!
Stephan is taking over the tale now because Stephanie takes a really long time to pack...
So Erik and his daughter made us a great spaghetti dinner with four pounds of italian sausage in it. Our stay with Erik and Erin was really nice because it gave us a chance to recover completely and enjoy some creature comforts. For breakfast they made us an egg potato dish with sausage and bacon and coffee. We had our photos taken after breakfast and then Erik and Erin brought us back to the trailhead.
This was the best trail magic we've encountered to date on the trail, mostly because we got to spend time with our angels. Erik had many interesting stories about his career in the Airforce. Thanks so much for your hospitality and kindness!
That's all for now,
Steph
I am not one of those who think that the people are never in the wrong. They have been so, frequently and outrageously, both in other countries and in this. But I do say, that in all disputes between them and their rulers, the presumption is at least upon a par in favour of the people.
Posted by: vimax extender at October 7, 2004 07:28 PMI am not one of those who think that the people are never in the wrong. They have been so, frequently and outrageously, both in other countries and in this. But I do say, that in all disputes between them and their rulers, the presumption is at least upon a par in favour of the people.
Posted by: vimax extender at October 8, 2004 12:23 PMNice site yo got here! I really like it!
Posted by: penis extender at October 13, 2004 03:52 PM