Notre Dame Football Weekend - Day 3

I counted on Mollie sleeping several hours later today (and I was right!)... Left Independence at 0615 and made my way to the trailhead at Dickey Gap, on VA-650 (near VA-16). Had to dodge deer all the way... It was dark when I started SOBO (0700) - temperatures were in the 40s and I was glad I brought extra layers of clothing. The terrain in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area wasn't too challenging and I made good time to Chestnut Flats (intersection of Iron Mountain Trail). It was a bit windy on the ridge but the sun was shining brightly. I love hiking in the Fall! Turned around and enjoyed a mostly downhill return leg. I got a couple of nice breaks when I encountered SOBO through hikers. One guy had spent the night in the Hurricane Mountain Shelter (brrrrr!) and told me his hike had been interrupted in 2009 when he was in Connecticut - he finally had a chance to finish the rest of the AT. The rest of the hikers (group of five) had hiked up from the same trailhead as me. Otherwise, the only other living things I encountered during my 12.5 mile hike were scattered wild turkeys, loudly gobbling near the trail... Reached my car at 1130, feeling great. I arrived back at the hotel (Mollie had already eaten breakfast and extended our stay by one night) at 1200.  We drove across the street and ate lunch at Aunt Bea's in Independence (1245) - it was delicious!  We then drove to Grayson Highlands State Park, arriving at 1345, via a very winding road (US-58).  We spent a few hours hiking and viewing the wild ponies that lived there (Mollie was in heaven!).   Got an extra bonus: the AT crossed the Wilburn Ridge there and I was able to scout out a future trailhead for my climb of Mount Rogers. Looking forward to returning to the area again!  We took a tour of visitors center and bought souvenirs (1515).  Afterwards, we explored the Mount Rogers NRA on some curvy mountain roads (and heated up Bessie's breaks A LOT - yikes!).  We finally got a cell signal for the first time in over 36 hours and Mollie made me stay right there while she checked her social media.  On the way back to the hotel, we found a nice looking restaurant: the Log House Trading Post in Mouth of Wilson (arrived at 1545).  For the second night in a row, we were lucky to be eating early because restaurants in the area apparently close at 1800 and run out of food well before that.  Our dinner consisted of catfish, mashed potatoes, squash, hush puppies and apple fries - we took off the feed back at 1715.  On the way back to Independence, we explored the New River and North Carolina border area in Mouth of Wilson.  Back at the hotel, we relaxed and watched TV (including a Presidential Debate).  Went to bed at 2330.  AT Today = 6.20 miles / G.T. AT = 787.18 miles