RATtreks

I’m back !!! Part 2

I was lucky enough to go on a second trip this weekend, this one to the Roan Mountain area. After a long scenic drive  through Erwin, TN. over Indian Grave Gap, then following 197 for a long ways through some very out of the way places to 226 then back around to Buladean, NC.,  by way of Bakersville, NC., we went to Hughes Gap Road which leads to the top of the mountain where the Appalachian Trail crosses before it heads down to Roan Mountain State park. We ended up at Carvers Gap around 5 that evening.

The road to the top is now closed and will remain that way until this time next year as it seems some of the ‘stimulus money’ is being used to revamp things up there such as new bathrooms at the old  Cloudland Hotel site,  improvements to the overlook and area trails along with repaving of the road. It was a hot, dry day but clouds were building which promised to make for some decent sunset pics, so we headed  North along the A.T. up and over Round Bald enjoying the newest trail relocation that I had not yet hiked. It is a very nice trail which now goes through the woods on the left side before coming out on the bald.

The Roans

The next bald is called Jane Bald which makes me think of my mother as that was her name. The views were very good despite the bright sun and haziness.  I was happy to be out hiking again after being unable to for over six weeks due to my broken ribs. It still hurts to move but I can’t stand not hiking any longer !

Jane Bald

Looking over at Grassy Ridge made us decide to climb it so we headed that way even though we knew it would be a close call getting back to the car before dark. On the way down to the gap where the A.T. goes left and the trail to Grassy Ridge goes straight, we passed by the goats and the two dogs that guard them. (dog one and dog two) They are contained by a solar powered fence and cared for by a number of volunteers and the US Forest Service called the ‘baa-tany project’. There were two baby goats that were not very old at all. They were very well guarded by the dogs who would bark and become vicious anytime you approached them, but I managed to get some fair photos of them butting heads on our way back. These goats are moved around the balds to eat the briers and growth that are encroaching them to make sure that they remain balds. It’s amazing how good a job they do without eating the fragile alpine and endangered plants that thrive there. They even have a ‘goat info’ mailbox !

The Goats

One goat gave me a cheesy smile for the camera:

Goat cheesing it up for the camera

The blueberries were not quite ripe but there are plenty up there and if we get some rain perhaps there will be some to be enjoyed soon.The trail up to Grassy Ridge was a bit overgrown but I heard that a group of volunteers were to be there the following weekend to clear it and the Grassy Ridge so it should be really nice by now. I didn’t mind it and after reaching the rocks on the high point of the ridge I was happy that we made it that far because the views were incredible and the temperature was dropping as the sun was quickly fading. You could see Big Hump and Little Hump mountains very well from there.

View of The Humps

There is a plaque on the rocks there in honor of Cornelius Rex Peake who was obviously someone who loved that area, spent a lot of time there and knew a lot about it. There were some small birds there that did not seem to mind our presence. I also found two Grey`s Lily that I managed to get photos of along with several other cool looking plants that I have no clue what they are called. I will consult with Bol’Dar and see if I can get the proper names for them.

Grey's Lily

????

The sun was setting fast so we decided we better get moving although I felt this desire to just stay there, wishing I did not have to work later that night, and wishing that I had my overnight gear with me. Looking East one can’t help but see the big ugly resort they built near Beech Mountain in North Carolina. It’s called the Sugar Top Hotel and Resort and it really ruins the views to the East but I have comfort in knowing that after it was built specific laws were passed to ensure this would not happen again. As usual once the destination was reached, Tyler was ready to head back to the car so he made a hasty retreat and beat us there by a good hour as Linda and myself took our time enjoying the walk while I took pics of the skyline as the sun was setting. It was a beautiful site for sure.

Roan Sunset

Mountain Views

By the time we made it back to Round Bald, it was nearly dark so we had to use our flashlights to make our descent down to the parking lot where Tyler was waiting. It was a long day and I was late for work by the time we went to eat at the IHOP (one of the only places open late on Sundays) but it was worth every minute of it and hopefully it helped me on my way to recover from these busted ribs. I hope to be well enough by September to take my annual birthday hike but it will be cutting it close from the way I feel now. I have not yet decided on a destination as I will wait to see what I am capable of closer to the deadline.

View from Grassy Ridge

View from Grassy Ridge

Roan Sunset

I had to skip any trips this past weekend due to my 30 year high school multi-class reunion dinner/dance on Saturday and picnic on Sunday. It was fun seeing many of my old classmates and friends plus I was lucky enough to be in charge of the entertainment so I hired my friends the Jones Boys Band who did a great job and I was able to jamm with them the entire night. We even had two fellow classmates do a few songs, Scott Worrell and Alan Hayes which was a welcomed surprise. They did a great job as expected. They are both accomplished musicians. Many thanks go out to Tammie Broyles Ruston, Lori Sheehan, Terri Adams, The Jones Boys Band,  and everyone else who helped make this event a tremendous success.

UH Reunion Class of 80

I am looking forward to seeing Jimmy Thackery at the Down Home this Thursday and hoping to get out in the mountains for some more ‘physical therapy’ this coming weekend. Stay tuned for upcoming reports.