Government Shutdown Trip B - Day 1

Since I have no clue when work will resume, I decided to go back to the southern hiking zone again. I usually never have this much “me time” vacation at once so figured I wouldn’t let it go to waste! Left home at around 1015 and used I-495, I-66 and I-81. It turned out to be a great drive, with very little traffic and the weather was awesome. Got gas in Marion, VA (1450) and continued on I-81 until reaching I-40. Used that road to reach the TN/NC border near Waterville (1700). I'd previously hiked in this area in 2014 and it was another one of the sections from that trip with “nebulous” turnaround locations. Just as I saw about a week ago, the sun sets much later than it does in the eastern part of the time zone - this gave me just enough time to smooth the rough edge of the section (between I-40 and Green Corner Road). It was much warmer (mid 40s) and I didn’t even carry gear for such a short walk. This place is where I’ll need to park when I tackle the Max Patch area - it’s also near where a hike through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park would end... Made it back to my car after less than an hour on the trail - the "leisurely walk" was barely a mile round trip (with retreaded distance). Headed southwest again at 1745 - got back on the Interstate and drove until I reached US-23 and followed that to Franklin. Checked into the Budget Inn at 1905 and then walked to the Lazy Hiker for drinks. There was really no one there (I actually thought they were closed) and I only stayed until 2035. Back in my room, watched TV until I was ready for bed (2330). Best news of the day was when I discovered that it was supposed to be in the 50s down on the GA/NC border during the next few days! Looking forward to some more good Trail mileage this week! AT Today = 0.30 miles / Grand Total AT = 1306.02 miles]