Hampton, TN (USA)

Woke up at 0645 in Yadkinville, NC (US-441) much later than I wanted but the temps were still in 30s when I finally got on the road (8:30). I was NOT itching to hike when it was that cold and I was counting on the sun to make things right. Stalled in my room (eating breakfast at the hotel). Fortunately, it warmed up into the 40s, so I decided to continue west to Hampton so I could hike another AT section! On the road by 0850.  Passed through Boone, home of the red hot App State Mountaineers, and used US-321 to get into the hiking zone. Parked at the Trailhead on Dennis Cove Road by 10:45 and was SOBO about 15 minutes later. I was initially layered up (x2) but the steep climb to the first ridge warmed me up nicely - I spent the rest of the day in short sleeves (!!!). It was right on the edge of comfortable - when the wind picked up, I shivered, but the sun warmed up (50?) the side of the mountain where I was. Regardless, my body was not happy with all the climbing, slippery leaves, rocks and roots - realized that it had been more than a month since my last AT day and I paid for the break during my 2000+ foot ascent... In several places, I was blessed with some beautiful views of the Roan Highlands in the distance - I could also see signs of civilization below me (US-19E). About halfway to my turnaround (Moreland Gap Shelter), I encountered two guys who’d spent the weekend on the trail (yikes/brrrr!). They were smiling because of the great hiking weather, so I didn’t mention my struggles. I crossed a gravel dirt bike path and, just after that, I started to hear (and smell!) a rider who was racing up the mountain from the town below. It seemed like it took forever for the nasty smoke to clear... A bit later, I met an older man who was section hiking in celebration of his recent retirement - talked to him and learned that he was basically a hostel connoisseur. He had enjoyed several nights indoors and was planning another - I guess hostel hopping during the off season is a good option for the chatty. Made pretty good time to the shelter (feet hurting, back aching) and backtracked immediately. I had expected the return to be basically downhill after my morning climb but I was wrong - the mountain wanted more of my energy and I paid some more. Passed a young couple that was practically sprinting down while I was going up - I was glad for the break but had to scramble to get out of their way! When I finally did reach the actual downhill for the backtrack, the sun had fallen behind a ridge in the west and it began to get darker and cooler. In my haste to beat the elements, I took a nasty spill - one of my feet stepped on what looked like solid ground but it was actually a leaf covered root on the edge of a steep cliff. It was hard to tell what mattered more: my bruised knees or my heart (it was beating very hard as I tried to stop my slide). No serious injuries but I resumed my hike with a lot more focus on my footfalls! I didn’t see any more people - or any animals, unfortunately. However, I heard a murder of crows loudly harassing someone or something as I neared my car. Finished at 4:35 after around 12 miles and closed up another AT loophole in TN. Decided to head towards home since I’ve got some important things to do near home this week.  Drove back to Hampton and continued west.  Tried to get dinner at Taco Johns in Elizabethton but it was closed.  Instead, settled for a meal at Cookout (1715), where I ate for the first time (it was good).  Thought about staying in Elizabethton but figured I should try to get closer to Brenna in case we were able to get together the following day.  Did some shopping at Walmart and then headed west on US-321.  Got on I-26 and started talking with Brenna - I stayed on the phone with her all the way to I-81 and then getting off the Interstate in Marion.  Checked into the Travel Inn and watched the end of a few NFL games (1900).  Also watched Sunday night Vikings-Cowboys game (good).  Bed by 2300.  Hopefully, I’ll be back in the trail again in a few weeks! AT Today = 6.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1481.06 miles