TN > 2016 Roan Higher Colder Hang

[FireInMyBones]

I was looking at coming up to Hot Springs, but it looks like they've closed Hwy 25 right at I-26. Unless I take back roads, I'm not going anywhere.

[Roche]

....re-schedule Feb 19/20.

Other than the hang at Linville Gorge that weekend, I'd be game. Breakfast at Bob's then lunch at Louise's would restock the calories.

[FireInMyBones]

The weather is looking warm and a little rainy. Also, my wife's grandmother is not doing well and we are not sure she will make it. If her funeral is this weekend, I'll be driving up to Chicago.

[country hang]

Sorry to hear brother bones, Safe travels is you have to travel to Chicago

[MedicineMan]

The 6th Roan Higher was def. warmer, warmest ever. 39F out of the trailhead. It was also the windiest if you can believe that.
I truly didn't sleep a wink. I was bounced around all night, anytime I'd doze off I'd get jerked back into windy reality.
I was warm and cozy though. First time in the uber BoneFire (BroBones must please remind me what he calls it). Low of 22ish
Sat. morning was nothing for the underquilt. Typicall I fall asleep with my clothes on (parka/down pants), before morning I was
sleeping practically nudy.
Out of the parking lot there was 8-10 inches, it grew in depth as we approached the shelter and in that area close to a foot, more
of course in drifts.
Several Nashvillians has commandeered the shelter so our group cooked outside...bit breezy and I had trouble getting the charcoal
going but Spamburgler came in for a big assist.
Everyone in our group was in HNO socks. I set up before dinner and before sleep noticed the wind had changed direction so in 2 min's
time redirected my rig into the wind----can't imagine if I'd tried to sleep broadside to it all night long.
Roan was as beautiful as always. All the trees were thick with snow, the stumps/limbs all carrying a significant load and after packing up
we were down off the peak in minutes and out of the wind.
Best piece of kit for me, just like last year-the Neos Overboots-just made for this type of hiking. Feet never wet or cold.

After the hang it was Bob's Dairyland of course! and then off to the hugely populated Linville Gorge Winter Hang. My first one. No way
to meet everyone nor remember names. Did what I could getting pics of those willing (not all were Darby
Took a bit to find trees for our entourage then the chile and the chile and the chile!!!! So many kinds and each a stand out in their own right.
The white chile was unique to me and very good.
But before dinner a hike up to the top for the Hawksbill view....while there I reflected back on hiking to Sitting Bear 40 years prior
The winds on top of Hawksbille were just like on top of Roan=serious as in knock you over but the view was def. worth it.
Closing out the evening a pyre created by many hands, some good 'nip' passed around, one very powerful once Spam brought for the occasion.
Special thanks to the guitarists for the excellent music!
A big touch of melancholy over Mike not being there. I only met him once at the John Rock Hang......a better place his is.

Anyway a great weekend, two hangs, great food----oh almost forgot, Poof's first encounter with Famous Louise

[mistone]

Great vid medicine man glad you guys came by! looking forward to the next roan hang.I shall try to make the next one Keep on hanging!!!Oh by the way that camo tarp you were looking at was made by warbonnet outdoors!

[FireInMyBones]

Sad I missed the hang. I'm glad that you stayed warm in the Winter Whisper. The Head End is the one with the peak shelf/pocket. I normally recommend putting that end around 12" lower than the foot end.

Beautiful new concept HNO.

[Les Rust]

MM, as always a great job behind the camera. Loved the history behind all the socks. Looks like a great time was had by all. Thanks for taking us along.

[MedicineMan]

Thanks to all.
Brother Bones good catch, I got it reversed in the vid. Winter Wisper head end 1 foot down was the charm
...and speaking of the shelf, it's one of the best implemented I've used.
Mistone thanks for the info, I love camo, wear a lot shooting the birds.
Les, Poof did a lot of the video; in fact she's doing more and more while I do the still shots. So I'll pass on the compliment
in case she doesn't read the thread.

[Rockdawg69]

Thanks for the vid MM and Poof. nice pics. Dimjim and I hung on Roan last week of September before the Hot Springs hang. Wind was blowing pretty good then also. No snow, just heavy mist all night. Wish I could have made either hang but back surgery had me "hanging" close to my couch and chair. Expect to make it to the Gorge in April.