We got up at 7 AM, and wanted to start early, since we knew that it was going to start raining at about 1:30 PM. At the start of the day, we had a small 0.5 down to Hughes Gap, and then 4.4 miles up Roan Mountain. The hike up was difficult, but we were well rested, so we made good time. Sadly, when we got to the top it was very cloudy, so we missed ANOTHER amazing view 🙁 . (pics below)

We went to the parking lot at the top to throw our trash and go to the restroom. There were no fountains, so we couldn’t fill water, but there were more sources along the way. After using the restrooms, we ate a Snickers bar, and then headed off. The hike down to Carver’s Gap was nice, and 0.1 miles before the gap we filled water at a spring. The gap was packed with people going on hikes. (pic below)

From the gap, we had a small hike up Round Bald, and another up Jane Bald. (pics below)

There were lots of blueberry bushes along the way, so we picked and ate some. It started raining at 2 PM, and it was really bad, since we were out in the open with no tree protection and only bushes. We still had 2.5 miles left to the shelter, so wad to walk that in the rain. Our shoes and socks were soaking wet, and we were freezing. Once we finally got to the shelter it was 4 PM, and we were drenched. There was a big group behind us who came to the shelter, but then kept going to the campsite 2 miles ahead. We had chicken and rice for a late lunch in the shelter. We slept at 7 PM, since tomorrow we wanted to wake up early so we could complete our trip by noon.