Roan Mountain, TN (USA)

Had a shuttle lined up for a 15 mile section today but my ankle was still not 100% so I reluctantly cancelled it. Instead, decided to hike shorter segments where I’d be close to my car. I ate half of my Subway sandwich for breakfast and then drove out of Elizabethton on US-19E to Bear Branch Road. Continued on Buck Mountain Road and my first stop was where I finished the previous night. I didn’t even take any gear because the hike was so short. Finished the AT between Campbell Hollow Road and Isaac Cemetery (0.70 new AT, 1.50 total, started SOBO) between 0920 and 1000. It was muddy and the heat was already rising but there was an added benefit to hiking here: scouting out the overmountain roads (best news was that almost all of them were paved!). I backtracked to US-19E and then repositioned to Carvers Gap (Roan Mountain), hoping to hike near Tollhouse Gap. Unfortunately, I learned that Roan Road is only open in the summer... It was also very crowded so I didn't stay in the area. So drove back down the mountain until I found another way across the ridge (Cove Creek Road to Hughes Gap Road). Hiked my second AT section of the day between the trailhead on the NC-TN border and Clyde Smith Shelter (3.10 new AT, 6.20 total, started SOBO) between 1120 and 1400. Had to climb continuously almost all the way during the outbound leg. The trail followed the border so every step was in an alternating state! Was actually going north as I hiked towards Georgia (frustrating). Battled fatigue, dehydration and ankle soreness but didn’t quit. Was rewarded with some of the best views of the Blue Ridge I’ve seen in the area - pristine hills with beautiful foliage developing at the higher elevations. During my backtrack, it started to rain. Fortunately, I had my poncho - that sometimes actually makes me feel hotter but the mountain breezes kept that from happening today. I hadn’t seen any other people on the trail all day but suddenly encountered six in the last mile: a Daddy-Daughter overnight camper pair, two older guys (Sections?) and a couple from Georgia (“Rafiki” and “Scout”) with their dog ("Mosby"). They were Section Hiking towards the North - picking up where they left off each time. Exchanged contact info so maybe we could help each other with shuttle rides in the future. Talked to them until the rain got too annoying to stand still - at least I was close to the car! After I reached my car, I drove back to US-19E and ate an early dinner at Taco Johns in Elizabethton (1515). Ankle had held up ok today and thought about getting out for a few more miles before dark - changed mind after laying down in my comfy bed... Instead, watched the Notre Dame football game and read before going to bed early. AT Today = 3.80 miles / G.T. AT = 1197.42 miles