Little Hump days trip report

“I went backpacking Memorial Day Weekend with a couple of frinds. We drove to Carver's Gap, elevation 5,512' (near Roan Mtn)on the TN/NC state lines and backpacked north on the AT to Little Hump Mountain.

We got a late start Saturday; was just after 4:00p.m. when we left the parking lot. Our plan was to camp somewhere along the way. That "somewhere along the way" ended up being about 6.2 miles in to Little Hump Mtn.

Weather was great and the views were among the best I have ever seen on the east coast. We climbed up Round Bald (5,826'), Jane Bald, and skirted the side of Grassy Ridge. We dropped down to the Stan Murray AT Shelter (5,050') and hung out there for a few minutes. The shelter can accomadate 6 people.

From the shelter, the hiking was up and down to Yellow Mountain Gap, where we had hoped to set up camp. When we got here, we found that the only tent site was occupied, so we scouted around the area looking for other options. There were none, other then a shelter known as "The Barn" which can hold 20 or more people. It has a reputation as being a party place, so we opted not to stay there. Our scouting efforts turned out to be a futile effort. It was here that I got really tired and my stomach was not feeling so good. I had eaten a sausage dog with chili before the start of our hike, and it wasn't agreeing with me We rested a bit and reconsiderd where to go. Little Hump Mountain, about another 1.5 miles north, was the logical choice. So on we went.

We arrived at Little Hump just as the sun was setting. It was beautiful! What a wonderful place to be for sunset. Just before darkness set in, the guys headed down the trail in search of water. I stayed behind and got my tent set up. When they returned they pitched their tents in the dark and proceeded to cook their dinner. I skipped dinner that night - was too tired to mess with it, and my stomach was still queasy. I called it a night and crawled into my sleeping bag.

Sunday morning we woke to a good wind and overcast skies. We lounged around, ate breakfast, lounged around some more, had lunch, then guess what? A little more lounging around. The guys decided to go for a dayhike to Big Hump Mountain, about 1.5 miles away and 5,587' elevation. I stayed behind in camp and spent the day resting and reading. It was a perfect day for a little R&R. When they returned, we had dinner and a special treat of cherry pies.

Monday morning we were up at 6:00, had breakfast and packed up camp. By the way, my breakfast was supposed to be freeze-dried scrambled eggs and bacon (Mountain House brand) but I couldn't gag it down. I found it to be HORRIBLE! Harold took a bite or two, then decided he would eat it all to save me from having to carry it out. The sunrise was nice, but not as spectacular as the sunset on Saturday night. I went on ahead of the guys and waited for them at the Stan Murray AT Shelter. We took a break there and refilled our water bladders before starting a grueling, unrelenting uphill climb to Grassy Ridge. I'm not sure how far it was or what the elevation gain was in that distance, but it was a real grunt of a climb.

The hike out seemed to go quicker than the hike in, and we were back at the parking lot just before 1:00. We saw a few people on the trail, but we were the only campers at Little Hump Mountain on Saturday night. Sunday a small group camped to the south of us very far away. We practically had Little Hump to ourselves, other than hikers passing through.

Here's the link to my photos:
http://community.webshots.com/album/357087909kUMkbO”

“Great trip report and pics! I saw where you went to Roan High Shelter, did you happen to go out to the Rhododendron Gardens and see if they are in full bloom? I wanted to go back there during the festival but already have plans.”

“Karo, I didn't go to the Rhodie Gardens, but they weren't in bloom at Carver's Gap so I doubt they were blooming at the gardens. The festival is in mid-June, I think.”

“great pics and report woodzie. another good trip for you.”

“Looks like I've found a couple of new hiking buddies. These are the same guys I did the Gregory's Bald trip with. And to think they invited me for another hike after killing me going up Gregory's Bald! LOL!

Ewker, what did you do over the long weekend?”

“I was in the opposite end of the state in Memphis. Got to spend some time on Beale St. That was fun”

“Nice TR. That area is spectacular. The views are just as good as you get in the East.”

“Groovy. I been out there a few times myself. Great hiking. Thanks for the TR -- makes me want to plan ANOTHER trip out there.”