What could be mentioned? The place can we go? How can we get by means of day 28? As I’ve spoken to a couple different walkers who traveled the identical or at the very least comparable miles to cross the Roan Highlands on that stunning however perilous 29 mile journey, we have jokingly however critically known as it ‘The Day’. Logan, Sim, and I had departed from the identical hostel in “The Day,” however we had been all at completely different factors throughout that tour. I often keep alone climbing as a result of I cease rather a lot to shoot movies for my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@Fortuneadventures). Atticus was on the subsequent shelter throughout from the place we began, so his day was about 24 miles…however nonetheless…”the Day”.
In order I traversed the highest of Hump mountain with 50-70 mph winds slapping my face and practically throwing me off the path, I shortly began descending with a lovely sundown to mild my manner because it shot stunning colours throughout the sky and mirrored on the snow and ice.
I knew I needed to descend to a considerably lined space to placed on my down jacket and headlamp as a result of now I must descend 1000’s of ft in about 5 miles at the hours of darkness to finish ‘The Day’. There have been huge mounds, some ice, nevertheless it was first rate sufficient to get again right down to hotter, much less snowy circumstances. I truly arrived at 19E round 10:15pm. My lengthy day was lastly over and I had survived. I used to be chilly, in ache, however alive. Whereas searching for the hostel I used to be going to remain in, I went over the driveway and ended up in a personal owners driveway with a “No Trespassing” signal. I used to be confused. I feel my mind was uninterested in pondering. I known as the hostel/B and B. I felt so dangerous as a result of I used to be scared to wake them up. They defined easy methods to get there. That is after I realized I might walked too far. I acquired to the hostel, ate some meals from my bear can, drank plenty of water, took what felt like an hour of bathe simply to heat up, then hopped on a mattress. I settled within the morning earlier than leaving. I slept properly. I slept soundly. However I did not sleep lengthy. Final I noticed the time it was round 12:30. Then I used to be awake at 5 within the morning. That is what my physique does. He needs to stroll. I might have relaxation, however he does not wish to. He’s at all times stressed and able to go. I lay there for some time, my cellphone earlier than getting up and preparing for the day. I settled in after consuming an important breakfast with 1000’s of energy and left after not even 10 hours.
I began and there was a little bit of chilly within the air, however nothing dangerous…. Particularly in comparison with what I had simply been by means of. It was supposed to start out a climb that day however nothing big like what I am used to. I went by means of forest, water, mud… after which a lovely open space that regarded like a meadow. The terrain was very completely different. Extra open, extra spring-like. I felt so excited as the heat of the solar beat down on my face. It was like mom nature was giving me a giant hug as she whispered in my ear to show round and watch. I regarded behind me and there OMG!!! Your complete Roan Highlands vary. You may see all the pieces. Every little thing I went by means of the day earlier than. I felt so small… but so robust. Presumably the loudest I’ve ever heard. I used to be overwhelmed with emotion as I noticed…I…simply…acquired…that!!! The Roan Highlands had been within the bag.
Not that I want extra power or extra enthusiasm…however that positively gave my tempo an additional increase. I even despatched that image to my fiancee excitedly saying, “Honey, I simply walked by means of it… yesterday.” She was nearly as excited as I used to be. What an important factor to see after the busiest day you might have ever hiked.
I continued, feeling robust and planning to push myself to about 18 miles or so. The day was wonderful, the climate good. Stunning mountains, rhododendrons, water, solar, birds singing. It was nice. Some steep climbs, however nothing loopy. I got here throughout a creek and as I crossed the bridge, to the left as I regarded by means of the bushes, I observed an ideal spot for a tent. I did not wish to proceed to a shelter because it was a number of miles. I used to be drained and hungry so I made a decision to arrange camp for the evening. I had a dehydrated meal, a peanut butter pepper tortilla and pie pop. This was additionally my first time mixing espresso with tea. It was good… however most likely one thing I’d by no means drink exterior of a thru-hike. I slept properly however was additionally chilly and stressed.
After getting up the subsequent morning (most likely 25), I attempted to get the coolness out of my tent as a lot as doable. Then I remembered that I used to be jostling right into a hostel that evening, so it did not should be good. It was too chilly to eat. It was too chilly to work haha. I managed to seize my backpack, packed up and simply took off to heat up. At about 3 miles I used to be feeling heat sufficient to eat. I got here throughout a tiny waterfall known as “Hardcore”, I believed that identify was humorous and after I talked about it in my video I unknowingly mentioned “Hardcore” like a demise steel singer. It got here naturally, I suppose. Extra climbing all through the day. It was a gentle and sunny day. Nothing too huge occurred, however I needed to drive 20 miles to get to “Boots Off Campground and Hostel”.
I known as the hostel after I lastly acquired service to verify my bunk was reserved. I used to be knowledgeable that they’ve a shuttle that leaves at 6pm to enter city for McDonald’s and many others. Wait…McDonald’s?!?!! Let me cease right here to let you know…most of my selections are based mostly on meals…how hungry I’m, when and the place meals is obtainable on the town, and many others., typically us the deciding elements of just about all the pieces for me. Final 12 months I by no means recovered from my hiker starvation on the PCT. Think about how dangerous it’s now. I am not the fussy eater… however I eat nearly all the pieces proper now lol. So after I discovered this was an possibility, I had a brand new motivation… however… I knew by then it could be shut.
So I continued my day cruising fairly properly, having fun with the surroundings, the climbs, the conquests and the exercises. Then I arrived at Pond Mountain Wilderness. Oh!!!! It was so stunning. I keep in mind passing this previous log house or construction earlier than the wild border that I fantasized about clearing and inhabiting. It was good.. properly in my thoughts. 
Okay okay. Perhaps it wasn’t good. Perhaps he wanted some work. Lot of labor. Okay, possibly a whole teardown and a recent begin…however the location was nice haha. As I walked by means of Pond Mountain Wilderness, I used to be merely amazed at how stunning it was. Bushes, water, rock formations, the path…it was all stunning. Then I walked between these two rock formations which had been like big partitions on either side. I used to be taking footage and recording and many others. Just a little too engrossed after I observed after 1/4 of a mile I could not hear Laurel Falls anymore. I had gone off the path and entered the excessive water route… oops. so I had to return and switch up the rocky drop to Laurel Falls. My knees and hips had been bothering me a bit of, so I acquired uncomfortable and took a step again all the best way. I positively did not seem like knowledgeable Via-Hiker. Ask me if I cared. Haha. Going from one level to a different worries us… not what I seem like doing it. Lastly made it to the falls… wow it was stunning. I took just a few pictures and continued on as there have been too many individuals round for my liking. 
As I pushed in direction of Pond Mountain, which might be my final push for the day, I stuffed my water bottles as soon as extra, had a few fast conversations with some day hikers, and grabbed a fast snack. I then began climbing Pond Mountain which appeared like it could by no means finish. Getting again to the meals first….it was all due to the FOOD!!!! All I may do was take into consideration the meals…doable McDonald’s decisions…what number of combo meals I used to be going to get. Would I put my fries in a smoothie? I’d have a ten or 20 piece to go together with my burgers. What number of cookies ought to I get? Properly I stored pushing, then I reached the best a part of the path on the mountain… nevertheless it wasn’t the height and there was no aspect path to the height. I ALWAYS take the aspect path if there’s one on the high. In order that was disappointing. Much more disappointing was that I had lastly accepted that I would not make it in time for the shuttle into city. So I known as Boots Off. I requested concerning the meals that they had within the freezer. They’d loads of issues that I may eat at the very least that evening. So I continued my descent. I grabbed a pair burritos, a scorching pocket, some chips, ice cream, Mountain Dew, and a slice of pizza and felt a bit of higher. I used to be nevertheless in a position to stroll into city the subsequent day as I made a decision to take a zero as there was a chilly entrance with rain all day turning into freezing temperatures. I can take care of rain or freezing temperatures…not each. I can deal with snow and freezing temperatures… however not rain. I do know I am bizarre haha… however for my part it is the most secure manner. The zero proved to be helpful. At some point off. A lot of energy. After which extra energy. After which…… What would find yourself being the turning level of my tour.
~Luck
This web site accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, which implies The Trek might obtain a share of any services or products bought utilizing hyperlinks in articles or commercials. The customer pays the identical worth they might in any other case, and your buy helps assist The Trek’s ongoing purpose of offering you with high quality backpacking recommendation and data. Thanks in your assist!
To search out out extra, go to the About this website web page.
