Day 33 - Overmountain Shelter to Campsite #1

Left the shelter and immediately started climbing. I thought it would get easier after Roan! Climbed to the top of a beautiful bald, then another one.

In the distance, I could see cows but wasn’t sure if the trail went right past there. It did! 

It was a cloudy, sort of misty day – perfect weather for that location. Longhorn cattle were sprawled out right next to the trail. No fences or anything! That made my day.

Threat of rain, but nothing materialized for a while. Finally got to the road, from which there was access to civilization, if desired. Dave wanted to walk the .5 miles to a convenience store. Chops and I went along. Walked a half-mile before realizing we’d gone the wrong direction.

Back on the trail for another eight hard miles. The sun was beating down on us as we climbed these steep ascents. Walked through some farmland and pastures at the top of one of the hills (as the guidebook called them).

More cows. Started to rain at 5, and we weren’t done yet. Some kick-ass climbs that weren’t listed in any of the books or on the profile maps.

Finally found a campsite at 6 near water. Dave scouted out a great spot under a pine tree with a flat spot for our tent and Tim’s. Also offered some protection for cooking. Rain let up around 9. Good night’s sleep.