Roan Mountain - photo

   Red Bull posted this photo on Instagram.  His caption regarding the photo was;
                      6,000 foot mountain + 40 foot tree = amazing view

  I spoke with him regarding his latest photo.  It was taken on Roan Mountain, at the High Knob area.  I asked him about the 40 foot tree.  He informed me it was a sixty foot tree, but he had only climbed 40 feet high into the tree to see the sunset view (and take the photo).  I am so glad he is no longer wearing a cast on his hand!

photo by Red Bull
Roan Mountain
elevation 6,193 feet + 40 feet high in tree)

 

Caught His Group - Staying in Highest Shelter on Trail!

   Red Bull has caught the group!  It makes me feel so much better, knowing he is not out there alone!

   He Hiked to the Roan High Knob Shelter on mile 376.8 on the A.T., hiking over 17 1/2 miles today in the Cherokee National Forest,  The Roan High Knob Shelter is at an elevation of 6,193 feet.  It is the highest shelter on the entire trail.  It is also known as the Fire Warden Cabin, because it was built to house the area fire warden in 1933.

   It is considered one of the nicest shelters on the Appalachian trail,  It is two stories tall, and actually has four walls (most shelters only have three).  It can easily hold 15 people, while most shelters sleep 6.  Nothing inside but bare walls and floors, although there is a ladder to reach the "second floor".

online stock photo
Roan High Knob Shelter
"Fire Warden's Cabin"
Highest Shelter on A.T.

Hiking Alone Again... for now

   Red Bull hit the trail alone today.  His pal "Gator" is still waiting in town for a package to arrive in the mail from home.  Red Bull is trying to catch up with the group, but did not manage it today.  He hiked rather late into the evening.

   Red Bull stopped at Cherry Gap Shelter on mile 359.2 on the A.T., hiking over 17 miles today.



 

stock photo via internet

Red Bull Looks Great - but smells....?

   Part of the family was able to journey to Erwin, Tennessee to visit with Red Bull today!
   He looks great, but the smell... was not so great!

We took Red Bull and Gator (trail name) to a local store so they could restock on food, they were running pretty low.  They bought big boxes of Twinkies and cookies, along with some healthy items!

stock photo of local mountains 

   Red Bull hiked to mile 342.1 on the A.T. (6 1/2 miles today) where it crosses Erwin.
   He and "Gator" will be hanging out together, spending the night at a Super 8, doing laundry and grabbing showers.  He believes they will be about 10 miles behind the rest of the group, but can catch up.

   Red Bull gave us a few items to take home; a chair he purchased in Hot Springs, his well worn hiking boots (seen in his photo on Max Patch), and a few other small items he felt he did not need.  He had also picked up a self inflating camp pillow for his father.

   We asked what one of Red Bull's favorite parts has been along the trail.  He said he really enjoyed the views from the "Big Bald" the other day.  It was at mile 324.1, at an elevation of 5,516 feet.  He said it had wonderful 360 degree views.  Unfortunately he did not get a photo, so I found one online and placed it below.

   Hike on Red Bull...

Big Bald - online stock photo

Hiked 20.7 miles today!

   Red Bull hiked to No Business Shelter at mile 335.9 on the A.T. (he hiked 20.7 miles today)!  Amazing!

   We are going to meet him in Erwin, Tennessee tomorrow.  He has asked for us to bring his second hiking pole, and his second pair of hiking shoes.

online stock photo

   I was checking on The Appalachian Trail Conservancy for updates in Tennessee.  They have issued a bear warning around the Watauga Dam, and have closed the Watauga Lake Shelter at 428.7.  See excerpt below:

Tennessee

Watuaga Dam - Bears Active in Area
(5/17/16) Hikers should use caution near Watauga Dam as bears are active in this area; hikers should be alert for and keep a respectful distance from bear(s) with cubs. 

Watuaga Lake Shelter - Closed
(4/15/16 - present) Watauga Lake Shelter closed to all entry due to bear activity.

No picnicking, lingering or overnight camping. Hiking the Appalachian Trail only. BEARS ACTIVE IN THIS AREA. Please continue through the area without stopping. Closure Order: National Forest System lands Oliver Hollow Rd. to Wilbur Dam; closed until further notice.

TN - Appalachian Trail has re-opened from USFS 293 to Dennis Cove - Moreland Gap Shelter open
(4/25/16) The A.T. is now open from USFS 293 to Dennis Cove. The wildfire that the USFS was dealing with, known as the "Railroad Grade" fire, is out. Hikers should remain situationally aware of potential threats along the Trail.  For more information about this wildfire, see InciWeb.

In Tennessee

   Red Bull hiked to the Hogback Ridge Shelter on mile 315.2 of the A.T. (he hiked over 15 miles today), elevation 4,314 feet.  The trail has been weaving in and out of North Carolina and Tennessee, but he is now exclusively in Tennessee.

Hogback Shelter, in TN
photo by Rohland

   Red Bull told us he is approaching a town in a couple of days, and would like for us to meet him.  Erwin, Tennessee is about 6 1/2 hours from home, and will be a fun day trip.  He picked a good time with it being Memorial Day Weekend, his siblings are home from school and can come along!

   He has not specified what he would like us to bring him.  Pretty sure he would like his second hiking pole.  His back up hiking shoes (Salomons) are ready to go as well.  We found some Gatorade chews which we thought he might enjoy also, they replenish like Gatorade without the weight of the liquid.

  Looking forward to seeing Red Bull soon!

UPDATE - photos

I have finally found a way to include Red Bull's photos from Instagram!
I have gone back and put them chronologically when and where they were taken.
I have also included the word "photo"in any title of a daily entry that includes a photo taken by Red Bull (or someone with Red Bull).
He has only shared 6 photos so far, I have included a few we have taken as well.

Enjoy!