Government Shutdown Trip A - Day 6

Up early (0530) and spent some more time reading. Also had to pack before going back to civilization... Was checked out of my hotel before 0800 and got breakfast (McDonalds) in Franklin. Drove just over 10 miles to Winding Stair Gap. Almost every morning on this trip, I’ve come over the hill near the AT trailhead and the good weather has been whisked away in fog and rain. Today, it was the opposite! It was overcast (low clouds) and in the low 20s in the valley but when I got to the parking area, I found bright blue skies and a warming sun. There was some frost in the shady areas but no ice. Jackpot! I had to connect two previous hikes (one from 2014 and one from 2017) so some of the miles were “retreads”. No matter - I left my car at 0830, headed NOBO, and feeling great. The trail guide showed the section as a steady climb up to Siler Bald but it seemed almost flat after the last few days. Also, the surface was pretty smooth, with almost no rocks, roots or mud to avoid. As a result, I flew! The sun was shining on me almost all the way - I had worn lighter clothes and it kept me just on the edge of sweating and cold. The views of the valley below were amazing - it looked like a scene from the PNW, with “islands” (hills) poking through a sea of clouds/fog. It was windy at my turnaround point (Snowbird Gap) but I didn’t stay long. Motored back to my car, arriving at 1130 after more than 8 total miles (some didn’t count). Realized at the end I hadn’t seen anyone or any animals (other than two horsemen at the trailhead this morning). Was sad to leave the area but I then remembered I'd gotten a good bit of AT mileage this week and that snow was coming. Changed at my car and then headed north. Used US-23 to get back to I-40 and decided to go east - on the way, I heard what sounded like WMAL broadcast (not sure how that was possible). Actually thought I would run out of gas near Old Fort (NC) so got off the highway for a bit - but I never found a gas station until I reached the Interstate again. Fortunately, I then saw a sign for much cheaper fuel just a few miles away. Filled up in Marion, NC at 1355 and then continued on I-40 to I-85, where I headed north. The traffic was OK but it was a long drive. Got gas again in North Dinwiddie (near Petersburg) at 1830. A short time later, finally got on I-95 - fortunately, had a great drive the rest of the way. It's funny, but I didn't see any evidence of snow until I was north of Richmond. Arrived home at 2030 and found snow in my own parking lot! It was a great trip - glad I had a chance to hike during unexpected "vacation" and now excited to spend time with Mollie. AT Today = 3.70 miles / G.T. AT = 1305.72 miles