Thanksgiving Hiking Trip - Day 2

Waking up in Marion, I found myself in a good position this morning - left by 0700 and was on I-26 in Tennessee by 0800. There was a ton of fog throughout the drive and I saw lots of snow on the ridges above Erwin, when the AT went. Got gas fillup in Erwin, TN (0830).  Decided to try the trail farther to the south and took TN-352 into North Carolina. Temps stayed in the low 30s until I reached Hot Springs and then creeped up towards 40. Decided to head for Garenflo Gap (off NC-209) and finish a rather short (but very remote) section. After driving up a muddy gravel road, I found the AT Trailhead and left my car (NOBO) by 1000. I only wore two layers (and one was a short sleeved shirt) because the forecast said we’d get 60s eventually. Regretted this after the first mile, which was entirely in the shade. I had another layer in my bag but didn’t end up using it because the trail looked back into the sun. From there, I was relatively comfortable. The ground was wet, almost as if it had just rained, but I didn’t see any snow. The ridge I was following had minor climbs and descents and I made very good time to my turnaround, Deer Park Mountain Shelter. Didn’t stop and started my backtrack immediately. Never saw a single person and didn’t encounter wildlife. By 1230, I was back at my car after almost 7 miles. Felt really good and decided to make an attempt to hike in another location to the southwest. Just before leaving, though, a dad and his two boys (from Florida) showed up in the parking lot and asked me a lot of questions about the conditions and terrain. They seemed so excited and driven - I envied the hiking camaraderie they had (and told them so) but still wished them luck as I departed for another AT section... AT Today = 3.40 miles / Grand Total AT = 1484.46 miles

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With no cell signal along the TN/NC border, I had to rely on my memory of the road names to get to I-40. I was not completely successful in following the most efficient route but I eventually made it back to civilization and drove (via US-74) all the way to Bryson City. Took NC-28 to NC-143 and found myself at Stecoah Gap (~3,100 feet) and the AT Trailhead by 1445. The temps had improved dramatically (low 50s), allowing me to go with only a long sleeved shirt (winter jacket in reserve). As I was getting ready, a dad and his little boy came out of the woods and wanted to talk about all the things to see and do nearby. The guy said the family had a cabin nearby that they were using for the week and I tried to direct them to fun things I knew. Got started (NOBO) by 1500 and immediately remembered why I’d aborted the section after half a mile when I tried it in 2014: VERY STEEP! The first part was ok but it got much harder before I reached the top (~4,000 feet). The guide called the climb “Jacob’s Ladder” but I didn’t reach heaven or even a view! Instead, I had the pleasure of descending back down (equally steep) to my turnaround point, Brown Fork Gap Shelter. I’ll admit that I did some grumbling as I traversed this portion... Eventually, though, I found myself on the high ridge again and was able to enjoy the descent (avoiding falls and butt-slides to the bottom). I could see all kinds of scenery (some blocked by trees but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky): Fontana Lake, the series of mountains the AT uses to cross Great Smoky Mountain National Park, blue ridges everywhere! I didn’t see any people or animals but I could clearly hear many motorcycles transiting the mountains and valleys via the Cherohala Skyway. Years ago, our family drove that route from Tellico Plains in Tennessee (very pretty). There was some ice on the ground, especially in the shade, but I was relieved not to see any snow for miles in all directions. Reached my car by 1700 after almost 5 miles (could only count part). It wasn’t quite dark yet (gotta love the late sunsets!) and I was about to leave for Franklin when a section hiker approached me, asking where the advertised spring was. I told him I didn’t know and asked if he was short on water (he was). Luckily, I was able to pay back some of the trail magic I got a few months ago.  Made good time to my overnight rest stop in Franklin, North Carolina, and checked into Budget Inn (1810).  Thought about going over to the Lazy Hiker but decided to stay close to my room.  Instead, I rested in my room and got dinner at McDonalds (2000).  Was tired, so went to bed early (2145).  Tomorrow: Georgia! AT Today = 1.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1486.36 miles