Slackpacking Trip - Day 7 (Part 1)

Up early to another beautiful day! Left Franklin on US-64 at 0745 (frost on windshield again) and, after crossing into Georgia (via NC-175) in a thick fog, found the trailhead on GA-75, south of Hiawassee. Still finding places from my first AT trip (2014) where I’d parked and hiked about half a mile on each side of the road. It seemed like a good idea at the time (no map, no plan) but it means I have to retread miles everywhere I go near here... Made my peace with the dilemma on this trip. I left my car at 0845 (NOBO) and made good time to the top of the correctly named Rocky Mountain. Realized today how lucky I’ve been on this trip - have hardly seen any rock scrambles or treacherous roots on this trip... The sun was shining brightly on the ridge and the temps climbed quickly into the 50s - I actually started wishing I’d worn a short sleeved shirt... Encountered a section hiking couple with their well loaded dog and a day hiker with two huge black furry dogs. Otherwise, I was alone while I finished the section (at the USFS road at Indian Grave Gap). Had to repeat the overmountain trek (+/- 1000 feet) to get back to the car but it seemed easier. I’ve noticed that recognizing and looking forward to landmarks makes the backtrack feel better (at least psychologically). When I reached the top of the ridge again, I was startled to find more than 20 people had joined me on the mountain (!!!). I guess it was the same thing I witnessed yesterday: the family hike during Thanksgiving reunion. Weather has been so good that I can’t blame them. I actually had to wait for people to pass me in a few places and it wrecked my rhythm. Was very glad to get back to the road again (1115) and left immediately. Logged 5.5 miles but couldn’t count all of it. Lunch at Taco Bell in Hiawassee (1140) and headed back into NC... AT Today = 2.31 miles / G.T. AT = 1015.07 miles