Erwin, TN (USA)

Got up early (it was still dark) and, seeing that it hadn’t started raining yet, got on the road as fast as I could. Headed south on I-26 until I reached Erwin and then got on US-19W. I crossed into North Carolina and arrived at the AT Trailhead at Spivey Gap at 0745. In 2014, I hiked about a mile from the road but had landlocked some of the section as a result. I started NOBO shortly after parking, hoping to beat the rain. It was crisp but windless and I only wore two layers as a precaution. The initial part of the hike was a climb through a ravine and over the highest nearby ridge. After that, the trail headed down into a deep valley that paralleled the NC-TN border. Eventually, the AT turned north into Tennessee - it was nice to actually be walking that way when I was supposed to be! After about five miles, I reached my planned turnaround point - No Business Knob Shelter. The last time I’d visited, it was full of hikers but today it was deserted. It still wasn’t raining and I started back to my car immediately. My muscles and joints had reached their optimal point and it really helped during the backtrack. I was also able to layer down to my short sleeve shirt - it felt good. On the way back, I passed 11 Thru hikers (all guys) - most were trying to reach Uncle Johnny’s Hostel on the Nolichucky River before the rain. Eight of the hikers were solos - I recognized at least one from Saturday’s hike - and I heard tales of the rising temperature and humidity over the last few days. Seems like it will be a short Spring here... The last three hikers (saw them about 50 yards from US-19W) were the three campers Nick, GoCoo and (Big?)Time - they were just starting the climb and seemed and were really concentrating. I finished the section (almost 10 miles, including the re-tread of 2014 distance) by 1120. I changed clothes quickly and left the trailhead (1145), bound for home. Just then, it started raining... Used US-19W, I-26 and I-81 during my return and made a gas stop (tank almost empty) north of Wytheville (1350). Had a great phone conversation with Brenna. I made great time to I-66, with only a little rain during the entire day. Arrived in Gainesville at around 1745 and then had to deal with traffic (ugh). Took Fairfax County Parkway because Beltway jammed (per radio) but made it home by 1815. Did some teleworking after I unpacked and felt like I was back on normal routine before I went to bed. Very glad for three amazing days on the trail - can’t wait to return! AT Today = 3.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1366.62 miles