Slackpacking Trip - Day 4

My cheap motel room wasn’t actually much better than sleeping outside - the windows were stuck open and the A/C opening was blocked with a cardboard box. Let’s just say that I wasn’t very warm, even though I layered up in the bed. I kept telling myself (as I drifted off each time) that the thru hikers had it worse, but then a series of train whistles (right down the street) would remind me that they were on the mountain and I had chosen civilization and all it’s glory... Glad I got some REM cycles (interesting dreams, actually) by morning. With a threat of rain throughout the day, I didn’t hurry out of town. Ate a nice breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner (finished at 0955) and then drove about 10 miles east of town to Tanyard Gap. Started NOBO (verified with two thru hikers who came out of the woods, asking me about hamburgers) at 1015. Weather was a cross between the last few days - it was 40 degrees, windy and cloudy when I started. The section was basically twin peaks - with big climbs and descents - I had to dig deep for the energy each time I reached zenith and nadir (mostly psychological though). There weren’t any signs for distance almost all day and the blazes were intermittent. Fortunately, I could actually see the trail because so many leaves had already fallen. I saw amazing views throughout my visit to this remote area where North Carolina nudges into Tennessee for a few miles. Turned around at the Spring Mountain Shelter and repeated the process all the way back to my car. Only saw two other people all day: a section hiker and two Ridgerunners who started their trail cleanup at USFS-31 as I crossed. Almost no wildlife, either, so I was pretty much alone all day. Really exhausted myself - my brain was quickly wiped clean as I focused on steps (although I did have some funny thoughts as I passed two memorial stones - to other hikers?)... Wrapped up my day at 1515 after about 10.5 miles. Could have done more (reluctantly) but had planned to reposition to Franklin to hike more accessible sections. Left town via NC-209 - it took me through some varsity switchbacks, areas of extreme rural poverty and some of the prettiest farms I’ve ever seen. On I-40 for a short time, then US-74 and US-441. Found a good place to stay for a few days (Budget Inn at 1745) and ate a nice dinner at Fortune House (Chinese this time, ). Feeling good after logging nearly 50 miles in four days. Bigger deal was making it to 1000 miles on the AT. Only about 1200 to go - I can do it, though! AT Today = 5.10 miles / G.T. AT = 1000.66 miles!