Marion, VA (USA)

The morning was very cold (low 30s with frost on the windows) but it was clear again (can't beat the weather!). At breakfast at McDonalds in Marion (0740).  I started NOBO from the trailhead at the Mount Rogers NRA HQ (parking lot was actually closed) at 0815. From that moment until I returned to my car, I didn't see any hikers at all. I did encounter deer hunters, farmers and drivers on the road - but, even though it was a beautiful Fall weekend day, I guess no one else wanted to escape to the trail... Startled deer scattered as I followed the ridge line, a series of rollercoaster peaks (+/- 500 feet). The views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop, on one side, and the Back of the Dragon, on the other, were tremendous! I peeled layers off as I climbed (it was generally uphill until I passed FS-86) and the temperature reached 55 degrees by the time I finished. As I neared my planned turnaround point, it was clear I'd miscalculated the distance when I had been on Glade Mountain before: probably an error of a mile. Nevertheless, I found the vista point again and turned around. By that point, my feet were bothering me, so I decided to use the gravel forestry road to get back to my car. This also proved to be a mistake and I added another mile to the hike. I also ended up entering a private property area with suspicious locals (but no dogs, fortunately). Made it through OK, though. Walking on the roads, while better on my body, meant that I ended up going downhill into the valley below the AT and then climbing all the way back up again (actually not sure if that beat the rollercoaster option...)! In total, I walked 13.5 miles and finished the day at 1345. Thought about hiking another short section but decided to preserve my bones and muscles for a longer trek in the morning. Tried to go to Mass in town but it was cancelled (I guess there aren't a lot of Catholics in the area...).  Ate a nice dinner at New China House in Marion (done at 1805) and then went exploring (trail gear) in Walmart.  Watched some TV before bed. AT Today = 5.40 miles / G.T. AT = 818.98 miles