Government Shutdown Trip A - Day 4

Awake by 0445 but went back to sleep - as a result, I slept late (0730). Did some organizing in my room - it was so cold that I was not in a hurry. Was hoping to give the sun a chance to warm things up but it didn't work (stayed in 30s all day). At least it wasn't raining! at about 0900, I left Franklin and headed towards Hiawassee, hoping to find several choices where it was warmer. After crossing Winding Stair Gap on US-64 (treacherous again, from dense fog this time), I found the weather in the valley on the NC/GA border to be much nicer. Took NC-175 and GA-75 to reach Hiawassee and got some breakfast at Hardees (1015) because it was the only place that was open. Ate in my car as I drove down GA-75 and GA-180, back into the mountains. Unfortunately, I figured out that the nicer weather was only confined to the town - at 4000 feet, the fog, clouds, wind and frost were in full force. I had initially decided to hike off GA-75 (just a bit south of Hiawassee) but I realized while driving that this trip is a unique opportunity to drive to the farthest, most difficult trailheads and that I should take advantage of that fact. So I drove back (via GA-180 and GA-348) to Hogpen Gap, where I'd been two days earlier. The conditions were nasty and I noticed there were no road crossings in the nearly 15 mile section to the east. Decided instead to backtrack to nearby Tesnatee Gap - drove carefully through the area where I'd almost skidded off the road on Saturday but there was no ice this time. There was, however, a pickup truck plastered against the rocky cliff where he'd apparently lost a battle to the black ice... Parked at the trailhead by 1115 and headed SOBO. I was wearing three layers, carrying multiple sets of gloves and hats (some still dry, in reserve, in my little backpack). At times, I felt overdressed and hot - at others, the icy wind cut through the gaps in the hills like a wind tunnel and made me grateful that I hadn't de-layered. I'd hiked on both ends of this section in 2014, which meant that the new trail miles were "landlocked" between hikes I'd done without a map. Still, I was energized by the chance to connect the dots and get the exercise, even if some of the miles didn't count towards my AT total. I'd hiked for over three miles (uphill much of the way, across wet and muddy rocks and roots) without seeing any wildlife or people. I didn't see any scenic views, either - the fog was too thick. The trees at the highest elevations were covered in hoarfrost - it was quite pretty until it started "raining" on me - luckily, they weren't icicles! The ground in some places was covered in feathery looking "pellets". About midway through, two NOBO Thru/LASHer guys passed me with nary a word. Then I encountered a pair of hikers and their red American Husky, enjoying a snack on the side of the trail. I figured out quickly that their truck (Ohio plates) was the one parked next to mine at the trailhead. The pair (older father = Roger, middle aged son = Sean, dog = Dash) had gotten a shuttle ride from their car to Neel Gap and had started hiking from Mountain Crossings at about noon. It had already taken them almost two hours to hike two miles - Roger was just getting back out on the AT after knee replacement surgery the previous year. Sean, on the other hand, had completed an AT Thru Hike in 1994 and was trying to help his dad finish the AT in sections. We talked for a long time - about favorite AT sections, logistics of section hiking and how we were enjoying the getaway in the mountains - and then I realized I was up against sunset. Before I continued, we talked briefly about the chance to shuttle another section in the coming days. I gave them my business card and left for my turnaround point (Neel Gap). I've made this offer a few times and haven't heard back - in fact, today at the trailhead I noticed a lady and her Aussie walking who I swear looked like the North Georgia hiker I'd met near Carver's Gap last Fall with her husband - it seemed like too much of a coincidence but it made me ponder how that offer never panned out (I didn't expect today's to happen either). Continued towards US-19 and, before I could see it, I heard the loud sounds of traffic echoing through the large valley below. Gradually, I came out of the fog/cloud and could see Mountain Crossings. The descent was not too steep and I made a quick turnaround at the doorway through their building where the AT goes. While there, I also saw the famous tree where hikers have thrown their worn boots for many years (should have brought my old ones!). Headed back towards my car and was quickly in the goo again... Made great time going back, though! Passed the two serious hiker guys (they were setting up camp for the night) and even caught up to Roger and Sean. Hiked the last mile with Sean, who seemed to like a much faster pace than his dad. Made it to my car, after hiking 12 miles total, by 1645 - same times as yesterday but more miles. Said goodbye to my fellow travelers and headed back towards Franklin. The weather improved after I descended to about 2000 feet above sea level. Decided to use US-76 and US-441 this time - hoping to avoid more fog in the darkness - and it seemed like a better way to go for this hiking area. After driving with the heat full blast in my car, I still felt very cold (subtle shiver). Got gas and dinner (Taco Bell) in Clayton (GA) at 1815 and then continued north to my hotel (arrived at 1845). Only after I was able to change clothes did I start to feel normal - my hiking gear was much wetter than I'd expected, despite the fact that it didn't rain. Spent most of the evening trying to dry everything - didn't want to wake up with wet hiking gear! Watched TV and read my book until it was time for bed (2200). Really looking forward to some genuine sunshine on the ridgeline - gonna try some more miles (probably in Georgia again) tomorrow! AT Today = 5.60 miles / G.T. AT = 1297.02 miles