Beauregard Venture Crew

   This year's annual AT hike was an experience. The planning, weather, and sights were perfect. It was also a reunion of sorts, too. It has been a long time since Adam, David, and Bob have had the chance to hike together.
   Adam Williams, who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, invited the crew to hike a portion of the trial referred to as the "Humps." This portion of trail is thought by many hikers, to have the most scenic views offered of the 2,168.1 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The "Humps" are unique. They are a pair of mountains which are void of trees. Looking at them from a distance, looks as though someone has scalped the trees off them. The only thing growing on these balds are grass and flowers.
   On the Saturday mourning of July 22, after camping atop Roan Mountain (ele. 6,286 ft.) we shuffled vehicles so that we would start our hike at Carver's Gap parking lot. Our finishing point, on Sunday, would be at a Bed and Breakfast in Erwin, Tennessee. Note ... Days earlier, Adam had contacted the owners of the B and B and asked permission to park his truck in their parking lot. Also worth noting ... this B and B was also a Hostel, which refers to a shelter that hikers, for a very low fee, can have access to a bed, shower, and shelter for the night.
   From Carver's Gap parking lot (elev. 5,500 ft.) we started out heading toward Jane Bald. At about half way, to this grassy bald, the AT trail markers, directed us onto a trail leading into the woods. After approx. 4 miles, we came upon the Stan Murray Shelter (elev. 5,050 ft.). It was there that we took our first, long break of the day. We all sat around, talked, and just before leaving, Adam mentioned that our next break would be, up ahead, at an old Barn.
   Sure enough, after about 3 more miles and just a few hundred yards off the trail, located in Yellow Gap, was this red barn. It was called the Overton Mountain Shelter (elev. 4,550 ft.). This AT shelter, used to be an actual barn. But through the years, it has been converted into a trail shelter. It had a loft and plenty of room, to stretch out. We ate lunch and napped for an hour or two. Looking out from the barn and to the left, you could see Little Hump Mountain and further to the right ... far off in the distance, was Big Hump Mountain. As we relaxed, it was very peaceful.
   After lunch, our group of 6, headed up Little Hump. It was a steep climb. Just before reaching it's peak, the trail left the wooded area and the rest of the trail was surrounded by nothing but the bald's, hip tall grasses. We were now, ridge running. You could see for miles.
   As we hiked, the clear skies changed. Before we knew it, a heavy mist had moved in. We continued up the foggy ridge. Just before reaching Little Hump's summit, we took a break, sitting on this large rock formation. While sitting there, looking out into the foggy mist, it was sort of spooky. The surroundings resembled the landscape of, several scenes, from the movie ... Lord of the Rings.
  After we started moving again, we reached Little Hump's summit (elev. 5,440 ft.). The mist blocked any views of the sites ... and it was still spooky looking.
  That evening, further down the trail, between Little Hump and Big Hump, we camped. We had hiked over 2 miles from, the barn. This established campsite, was perfect. I believe it was located in, Bradley Gap. There was a good water source nearby and all things considered ... it was very peaceful that evening as well as that night, too. Adam demonstrated how his, Beer Can Stove worked, as he prepaired his evening's meal.
Saturday mourning, Adam said "7 more miles and we can .. load up and go home." So we started toward Big Hump Mountain (elev. 5,516 ft.). On the way up, the sights were incredible. There was nothing but clear, blue sky and beautiful scenery. Once we passed through the fence stile ... Oh yea ... did I mention that the top of Hump Mountain is also used as a cow pasture?
As I understand it, in the Summer months ... the Forest Service has Long Horn Cattle grazing on the grasses. I am not sure if the USFS leases the land or if it owns the herd, but each summer the cow's pasture on this, fenced in portion of the mountain. Then in early fall, the herd is led back down. How do they do it? I don't know. But on this mountain, cows are the last thing you'd expect to see.
   Taking a break, on this huge rock, at Houston Ridge (which is located at the summit of Big Hump) provided the most memorable sights of the trip.
On our way down, we saw some of the thickest stands of Rhododendron seen on this trip. (They have the most unusual smell) Later, after descending, a winding trail 1000 feet, we stopped and rested at Doll Flats. It was a large campsite with this huge bolder off to one side. Once we rested and had a snack, we proceeded down another 1500 feet by a series of long switchbacks.

   It was along this stretch of the trail, when we saw another strange site. Bob noticed it at first. As we were walking ... up ahead ... a mouse ran out onto the the trail and started break dancing. I don't know if, this mouse does this same dance for all hikers or not, but I can say ... that mouse sure had some moves.
   As we neared the end of our hike, we passed one more shelter. I believe it was the Apple House Shelter (elev. 3,000 ft.). Since we were close to our, finishing point, we elected not to stop. Soon after, we took a side trail leading us to the a highway, which we followed to the B and B, which Adam's truck was parked. We loaded up, drove back to Carver's Gap, where Bob's SUV was parked. We then got everyone's gear loaded up and headed to the nearest McDonalds.

Adam Williams ..... Troop 356 and the Venture Crew, would like to thank you for taking the time ... to make this trip happen. The memories of this adventure, will last a life time. Thank you.

The Players

photo below ... Here we are, getting ready to start our hike. Notice, in the back ground, that's Roan Mountain