Awake by 0500 and took care of work items in the early AM. Left hotel by 0705 and stopped for breakfast (ordered inside) at McDonalds in Greeneville (0720). After checking the weather forecast again, it seemed clear that I should postpone the drive up to Max Patch for another few days - the weather where I was seemed too good to abandon! The next best option was a section on the southern end of the Shelton Laurel Wilderness - it required an hour (plus) long drive on winding mountain roads (TN-70, NC-208 and NC-212). I got another early start from Greeneville and made it safely to the AT Trailhead at Devil Fork Gap (NC/TN border) by 0815. I quickly got on the trail, headed north (AT SOBO). The temps were in the mid 30s when I started but it was supposed to get much warmer (70) before I was done so I dressed accordingly (light jacket, ready to shed to short sleeves). New signs, posted by the Carolina Mountain Club, indicated much longer distances for this section than my old (2014) “AWOL” AT Guide - the day was so nice, however, that I decided to ignore them. The grade was generally uphill, with some “dips” (into ravines) now and then. My pedometer didn’t keep up with my steps very closely so I was pretty surprised to reach the Flint Mountain Shelter about a half mile before I expected. No people were there but I startled a small herd of white-tailed deer (nice to see some wildlife). A bit later, the trail started a dramatic climb up the southern side of Big Butt Mountain (queue Sir Mix-A-Lot) - the AT went from about 3K feet to almost 4.5K feet within just over a mile. It wasn’t too warm yet and I felt fresh, making the climb only a minor annoyance to my great hike. About 3/4 of the way to the top, I encountered the older backpacker I’d seen on Viking Mountain the previous afternoon. This time, we talked a bit more and I learned that “Wingnut” was a 2020 Thru hiker who’d left the trail (due to COVID-19) at Fontana. He was making a second attempt, supported by his wife as pit-crew, and was very happy to encounter another hiker (he said he hadn’t seen anyone but me in days). He told me about his military career (Army 30 year man, 82nd, Ranger, exec for PACFLT) - I was surprised and pleased that he recognized the Navy aircraft I’d flown. He had a meet-up planned with his wife so we said goodbye (I gave him my card, in case he needed help when he came through NH). Resuming my climb, the warming temperatures made for some “too hot” (physiological) warnings - fortunately, I had plenty of water. Made it to the Shelton Graves and immediately started my backtrack - the descent (as always) made things better. I noticed that a blister was developing on my foot (a hole in a sock has burned me before...) so I tried to take it easy on the way back towards the car. Skipped a break at the shelter I’d initially planned (there was a hiker there but I just shouted “happy trails” as I passed) and soon found myself looking down at NC-212 from the ridge. “Wingnut” was just making his rendezvous (1300) and was gone when I got to the road. Planned to walk a bit farther south (AT NOBO), to close out the area, but an older guy in a van with Casper on the side asked if I wanted Trail Magic. As I usually do, I told him I was a day hiker - but he insisted I get a can of soda and a couple of candy bars. While talking to him (Rob), I learned he’d previously owned a hiker hostel in Dalton, MA. After he told me how much he missed the Thru hikers who’d stayed overnight with him there, it was clear that he used the van to get back some of the vibe (trail stories and friendship). Unfortunately, he’d seen VERY few hikers during the previous year. I chatted with him for a bit (and thanked him for supporting folks on the AT) before resuming the last mile (half mile in each direction) of my hike. It didn’t take long to climb a green hill (views of Viking Mountain to the north) and descend to Rector Laurel Road. I was ready to be done but then I had to backtrack - the climb was harder but I made it. Back at my car, after about 11.5 miles, by 1345. The car thermometer said it was 71 degrees and I needed air conditioning to cool down. Decided to go back to Greeneville for another night - followed TN-352 down to US-19W and I-26, then took TN-81 and TN-107 to reach US-11E (very pretty drive). I checked into the Econolodge again at 1505. After eating dinner in my room again, I spent time talking on the phone with Mollie, texted with friends, rested and read - I even watched a little TV. Feeling a bit sore but also jazzed about the good exercise, fresh (warm) mountain air and the people I’d met - gonna try to get some more of each tomorrow! Bed at 2100 (!). AT Today = 5.6 miles / G.T. AT = 1783.9 miles / AT Left = 401.4 miles
