Sugar Grove, VA (USA)

Watched the weather all week and there were no good options for hiking - it was either snow or rain... Had a short day of work lined up, though, and didn’t want to waste it! Chose the southern zone and braved I-81 (along with I-495 and I-66) again, despite my claims of “never again” from earlier in the month. Got gas in Staunton (1300) and then had good luck with traffic all the way to Marion. Used VA-16, VA-603 and VA-600 to reach the AT Trailhead at Elk Garden (stopped for gas again in Sugar Grove at 1545). It was really foggy all the way from the Interstate to the parking lot. Started SOBO at 1630, bound for the summit of Whitetop Mountain. There was a light drizzle but it wasn’t cold. I was definitely prepared (poncho, two layers, overnight gear) for the changing conditions - every time I’ve been in the area I’ve been surprised by wild swings in temperature and high winds that started unexpectedly. The grade was actually quite pleasant and I made great time in my climb - it’s a good thing too because I was racing the sunset (1715)! Saw several white tails (but not an entire deer) but no people. The fog got worse and I encountered snow and ice (covering rocks I needed to climb) near the top. This slowed me down a bit but I was able to get to the access road before it was completely dark. Decided to use the road to get back to the car and it was a lot easier than trying to navigate roots and rocks and ice in the dark. I walked a long time without seeing any signs of pavement - started to wonder if I’d miscalculated but kept trudging along. It got really DARK! Had planned to use my headlamp but the fog and rain made it almost impossible to see with the light - instead, I tried to follow the lighter shades of dirt and, when I reached VA-600 again, the white line on the edge of the road. There was barely enough ambient light to make my way but I was startled a few times by low branches that “grabbed me”. Fortunately, only two cars passed me (one in each direction) so I was able to be on pavement all the way back. Was relieved when I reached the car again. Finished about 5.5 miles by 1830. Felt great and almost forgot that my clothes were damp. Of course, then I had to drive out of the mountains - through the fog. I made it to US-58 In only a few minutes but the 17 mile drive to Damascus required a lot of concentration and caution. When I briefly came back into cell zone, I was surprised to discover that I had a voicemail from Eileen. I called her back and waited in Shady Valley to keep the signal. After that, I had to finish the rest of the almost 40 mile drive to Elizabethton (TN) on slippery, foggy, curvy and scary mountain roads (including TN-91). Arrived at my comfy hotel(Travelers Inn) by 2015 and called Eileen back (nice conversation). After the day I’ve had, should feel exhausted - instead, I’m pretty jazzed about getting out on the trail again. The next few days will be wet but the hiking highs should make the drive worthwhile... AT Today = 2.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 1249.92 miles