Well it was higher but sadly not colder. Also lacking any significant snow or wind. But sheets of ice and a roudy group at Overmountain presented their own challenges.
As always, I'm never happier then with the HF family. Just a blessing to have met/hiked/camped/hung with this group.
Gear? Seems like everybody was sporting something new just for this trip. Me, I got to enjoy Insulhammock's The Roan for the first time in the wilds-just a sweet bit of kit/really takes away any and all worries about sleeping in serious winter cold. The Neos Overboots (even though they rubbed a raw spot on my mid Achilles tendon were wonderful (a small piece of tape would have stopped the rub); a bit over 9 miles truly hiked in them and a big thumbs up. The Wiggys cagoule subbed for the one returned to Campmore...just wouldn't consider hiking those balds this time of year without.
SERIOUS help was had by Riven and Hangnout (maybe others?) who carried our backpacks to the Overmountain Shelter while we slackpacked the balds.
Neutron showed up with this gigantic bowl of Italian Sausage Soup which was over the top. Glad he could join us the second night, and sad FTroop had to
understandably leave.
The only downside of the hang was at Overmountain=seriously crowded, close to 30 there via many groups hitting at the same time...it got loud and one louse had a radio. FIMB set him straight.
Looking forward to 2015 of course! BUT Riven had a idea...a Warmer Higher Hang-on Roan High Knob in July...now that is a warming thought eh?
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