Marion, VA (USA)

Temps were in single digits this morning so I waited to leave my hotel until around 0945. I got breakfast at Hardee’s in Marion (1000) and used VA-16 to get to Grayson County. I took VA-603 and found the AT trailhead a few miles later. The sun was shining brightly and there was no wind but it was still in the teens (F) when I left the snowy parking lot at 1030, headed NOBO. I was layered (2) with more layers (2) in reserve. The snow had not melted yet - there was about an inch of sticky powder and all the trees and bushes were breathtaking in their wintry splendor... I climbed for most of the morning but did get some good views of breathtaking mountain tops against an amazing blue sky. The snow muffled all sounds and I felt like the only person on earth (though I did see some footprints). No wildlife seen today but I saw some of their tracks. Was able to shed gloves and earmuffs on the ridge. I turned around at the Chestnut Flats (Iron Mountain Trail) after 2.3 miles and backtracked quickly to my car (arriving at 12:30). I was able to reposition (to the trailhead at VA-650, Dickey Gap) with little difficulty (new parking lot and signs) and started my second section (NOBO again) at 1330. I noticed immediately that the environment was different after a few hours of sunshine: more melted snow, no footprints, temps in the low 30s. I also saw what looked like “snow” falling but it was really just clumps coming down from branches above. Bigger globs made thumping noises in the deep woods. On the ridge, though, I found “crystallized” snow (it looked like flakes of quartz) and a cloud-like conditions (couldn’t see into the Rye Valley below). I did have to watch my footing during the descent to the Trimpi Shelter (turnaround point from yesterday). After 3.9 miles on this section, I backtracked and climbed again - got to see really good views of Mount Rogers in the distance when I was on the ridge. Had to fix my reservoir (water froze in tube) a few times but made very good time to my car (1620). Total distance for the day was around 13 miles in tough conditions. Felt great and treated myself to a 32 ounce Dos Equis at Mi Puerto in Marion (1745) before heading back to my hotel. More planned tomorrow! AT Today = 6.20 miles / G.T. AT = 1070.17 miles