Elkton, VA (USA)

Up before dark and, after breakfast at McDonalds in Harrisonburg (0645), drove up US-33 to Skyline Drive. Was surprised to find the gate open already (score!). Hiked from Smith Roach Gap SOBO (at 0745) to my turnaround point from yesterday. Unlike yesterday, the weather was COLD (20s) and the ground was audibly frozen (crunch crunch). Only saw one hiker (18 year old Yates, prepping for thru hike before college). My hike had a lot of big climbs today (unusual for SNP). During the backtrack, used Skyline Drive when I returned to Powell's Gap (cutting off almost a mile of trail). Headed NOBO, up Hightop Mountain until I saw the sign for the Hut. Back at my car by 1100 after 8 miles. Feeling good! Only about 4 miles of AT left in SNP! Headed back to Harrisonburg. AT Today = 4.60 miles / G.T. AT = 880.56 miles