Slackpacking Trip - Day 3

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky today - what a difference from the last two days! I ate breakfast and warmed the frost off my windshield (it was in the 30s). Headed south on US-321 and joined I-26. When I was in the area in 2014, I didn’t have a map or pedometer so I had no idea what I was doing (in terms of strategic section hiking). This time, I drove straight to a trailhead where the AT crosses the Nolichucky River (east of the Interstate) so I could connect to some trail I’d hiked before. I parked on the east side of the river and was SOBO by 0915. I “enjoyed” a very good climb for the first few miles. Great views of the gorge/valley too. I was resting at what I thought was the summit (wrong) when the first of two thru hikers (my direction) blew by me. Undeterred by their superior energy, I continued the trek. There were some areas with shade (from rhododendrons) and others with warm sunlight - for the first few hours I was not comfortable with my choice of layers but it got better as it warmed into the high 40s. Figured out that my route was basically a big “C” shape, meaning that I could see the entire section while I was hiking. Arrived at the No Business Knob Shelter (my turnaround point) to find the two SOBO thru hikers (taking a break) and another hiker in a sleeping bag. He immediately recognized me (actually, my hat) from when we had exchanged pleasantries in Vermont (July). Catching the Bubble again has been really fun... When three ladies (with their two dogs) arrived, it got to be too much socializing for me. Headed back towards my car and didn’t see any people again until I was about a mile from the road: an older gentleman on a day hike greeted me and then seemed surprised that the white dog that had been following him (it wasn’t his) decided to head back down the mountain with me. I didn’t complain - “Buddy” was friendly and waited for me to catch up to him (when he wasn’t following). He was young and unsure of himself - even afraid of shadows. When we reached town, I took him over to the hiker Hostel to see if they knew him (they did). Felt a bit sad to leave the dog - would have enjoyed a few more trail miles with him... Finished nearly 13 miles (with side tracks) by 1500. Used back roads (TN-352, NC-212, NC-208 and US-25/70) to get to Hot Springs. Found my hiker lodge and had a satisfying dinner at Iron Horse Station (finished at 1910). Life is good! AT Today = 6.20 miles / G.T. AT = 995.56 miles