Government Shutdown Trip B - Day 2

Woke up in my comfy bed and realized it was 0800 already! All this time off (and the documentary about early "Rush" (the band) last night) has really reset my internal clock... Fortunately, I was able to get ready rather quickly and, after picking up gas and breakfast in Franklin (0840), I got on the road. I used NC-28, US-19 and NC-28 to reach the area near Stecoah Gap and found a side road (Upper Tuskeegee, became County Road 1242) that crossed the AT to the north. This allowed me pick up where I left off few weeks ago and cut into the distance of another section that was "marooned" due to my earlier ignorant decisions. Started NOBO from my car (1000), bound for the Cable Gap Shelter. The temps were in the mid 40s so I only wore two layers (carried more, just in case). The first part of the hike was only about a mile and I immediately backtracked to my car. Crossing the road, I started a big climb that really didn't end until I reached my second turnaround point (Brown Fork Gap Shelter). It didn't really rain on me but I occasionally felt spitting precipitation (somewhere between ice crystals and misty drops). I saw some pretty threatening clouds to the west but they must have followed the ridge line, since they never reached me. There was some wind on the ridge and I actually lost my Stetson a couple of times (fortunately, not over too steep a cliff). Last time I was in the area, I didn't even wear the hat because it was too cold, windy and rainy. Today was actually pretty pleasant - I didn't really sweat or feel too cold. I was treated to several views of Fontana Lake, some to the far west and some to the far east (the mountain I was on obscured the middle). At other times, the clouds closed in and I couldn't see anything. Most of the trail was smooth but there were some places ("hollows") where there was significant ice and mud and I took my time navigating through those areas - though I didn't fall, the lower part of me was covered in mud and I lost my breath a couple of times when I stepped on mud that covered ice. There was no room for error, since I skirted the steep ridge for many miles. I passed many downed trees (the trail maintenance crews can't do anything to clear them while the government is shut down) - I actually think some of the trees fell while I was hiking because I had trouble during my backtrack in areas that I thought were clear earlier. Finished up my almost 12.5 mile day with a descent to the road (1515). Hadn't seen any people or animals all day but that was OK - bonus at the end was to hear a loud Barred Owl hooting "who cooks for you?" across the valley. Was careful in my return to Franklin - rain had covered the road (NC-28) all the way back and worse was expected. Drove back to my hotel (same route as the morning), arriving at 1600. Cleaned up in my room and then drove to Pizza Hut in Franklin, where I had a nice dinner (salad bar, medium pizza and Hershey Cookie). It was pouring when I finished (1915). Back in the Budget Inn, I watched TV and read until going to bed (2245). Glad I found somewhere dry today and will try to do the same again tomorrow! AT Today = 6.10 miles / G.T. AT = 1312.12 miles