Government Shutdown Trip A - Day 1

A good boss of mine used to tell me "if you don't have anything to do, don't do it here" and I decided to heed his sage advice and get out of town. A winter storm was expected in NoVA so I planned an early departure. Targeted the hiking zone in Western North Carolina, too far to reach in a two or three day weekend so it was a special opportunity to get some NC and GA AT miles, even if it was wintertime. After getting home very late after my drive to/from the Eastern Shore the day before, I slept late. Was still able to leave my house at 0915. Drove to Harrisonburg via I-495, I-66 and I-81 (got gas in Toms Brook at 1015, reaching US-33 by 1050. On the way, I'd been texting the Twins, hoping they might want to get together for a late breakfast. Brenna said she was busy but Erin said she wanted to meet me at Mr. J’s Bagels. We met up at around 1100 and got our food quickly. We then talked for almost two hours! We discussed classes, upcoming summer plans and current events - it was a nice time and I had a hard time getting back on the road again (1345). Continued on I-81 for a few uneventful hours. Near Marion, I encountered a scary situation where cop came off exit ramp and blew by me on the right to chase a speeder - relieved he wasn't after me! More driving I-81, all the way into Tennessee, and then used I-26. Got gas in Erwin (1700) and then took I-26 to I-340 (on the north side of Asheville). Then used I-40 to get to US-23. The sunset over the Smokies was beautiful! I followed US-23 (and other names for the road) until I reached Franklin (1900). Checked into Budget Inn (the same place I'd stayed when I'd visited on other trips to the area) and unpacked. Walked down the street to the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company and bought dinner at the Mad Batter (1935). Had some drinks at the bar (VERY crowded) - the live entertainment was a group of pickers called "Social Insecurity". Stayed until 2120 and then walked back to my hotel, getting in 5K steps for the day, despite a day of driving. Watched some TV and went to bed at 2300.