I enjoyed a peaceful night in my pleasant camp. I got going early for the climb up Unaka Mountain, which sported a dense spruce forest. The Appalachian Trail descended to Low Gap. On the way, I met an older fellow who invited me to get a banana out of a cooler in the bed on his pickup down the trail a ways. I did so gratefully. For about 7 miles, the trail bounced up and down without any overly steep sections. I gained elevation to Little Rock Knob and enjoyed views of the countryside as the photo indicates. The AT descended to Hughes Gap where I stopped for a water and smack break. Then, uphill for 1350 vertical feet on a surprisingly decent trail to Ash Gap. The guidebook mentioned that the gap had a campsite with water. When arrived, I met two hikers from eastern NC. At an elevation of 5350 feet, I had grand views but no cell phone service. This might be my highest camp until the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I hope the weather holds for my trip across Roan Mountain tomorrow morning. Today's miles - 19.9. Total miles - 374.7.
