Elizabethton, TN (USA)

It had been over a month since I was able to get away for a real hiking weekend so I got on the road very early this morning (0610). Used I-495, I-66 and I-81, with a gas fillup at Toms Brook (0735). Weather was forecasted to be good to the south and I targeted the TN-NC border again. All the way down I-81, though, I saw evidence of snow on the high ridges and I started to wonder if I’d packed enough warm clothes... The biggest surprise, though, was that the traffic wasn't too bad. I stopped for lunch and gas (1205) in Kingsport, TN and then switched to I-26 in Tennessee. Because I’d made good time, I decided to take TN-352 (NC-212) and Rector Laurel Road to get to the AT. I’d scoped out the trailhead on Google Maps and immediately realized that it had moved (reroute?). Fortunately, some Thru hikers came out of the woods nearby and I found a place to park at the new location. The last time I visited the area (December 2018), it was cold, rainy and very windy - this day was almost the opposite. Started NOBO at 1315 with short sleeves! The section had two major climbs above 4.5k feet on what appeared to be called “Hogback Ridge”, with a small part in the middle that dropped down into Rice Gap. The trail followed the NC-TN border, with lots of switchbacks, so I was almost never going north, despite what the guide said... Felt very rusty in the ascents but steadily made my way up. Enjoyed great views from the top (no leaves on the trees) and the residual snow was only a factor because it created mud. Saw no people or animals on the outbound leg - it was a nice solitude. Turned around at the Hogback Ridge Shelter and noticed a new sign for mileages - it was clear that my 2014 “AWOL” guide was “off” by about 0.75 miles in each direction. Oh well! Started my backtrack immediately and began to encounter Thru hikers (they departed Georgia in late February). Out of the first four, I talked to two (older man who just retired and military looking guy who told me he wasn’t sure he would make it). From what they said, it sounded like the season has been cold and rainy. Also chatted with an older local man (and his dog) who was headed to the shelter for an overnight. About two miles from my car, I met three Thru hikers (“Nick”, “GoCoo” and “(Big?)Time”) who had pitched their tents/hammocks about two feet from the trail so I stopped to talk to them about their Hike. They had great stories and I wished I was going with them. “(Big?)Time” said he recognized me from earlier in the season (we apparently passed each other on the trail in Georgia in January) - always fun to meet up with hikers again! Was feeling very sore on the last climb (out of Rice Gap) but I made good time on the downhills. It did get a bit cooler as the sun started to set but I never layered up - best part was no bugs yet! Saw a young couple (Thru hikers?) camped at the bottom of the hill (also next to the trail) but didn’t stop. Reached my car at 1830 after almost 13 miles (only planning to count the 2014 mileage though) and plenty of good hiker vibes! Visited a new hostel just off the trail and planned my 2-3 day hike in the Shelton Laurel Backcountry this Fall. Checked into the Travelers Inn in Elizabethton (1925) and snacked in my room. Watched TV and then went to bed rather early. More hiking on the “border ridge” tomorrow! AT Today = 5.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 1357.42 miles]