Another great forecast and another shuttle reservation aligned this morning - I’m feeling “Vegas-lucky” on my travel itinerary! I was awake by 0530, ate breakfast (Bojangles sandwiches I'd bought the night before) in my room and then left Newport (TN) by 0645. I drove on I-40 into Davenport Gap (Pigeon River Valley) and got to see the sun come up in gorgeous style. I was able to park in the last available spot at Standing Bear Farm & Hostel (TN) by 0730 and got picked up from my ride to Max Patch (NC) about 20 minutes later. During the 40+ minute drive, my driver (Mike) told me entertaining stories of the AT, Benton MacKay Trail and GSMNP. By the time we reached the trailhead on NC-1182 (AKA Max Patch Road), I was pretty psyched for my hike! I was able to locate the place where I’d stopped during my visit in March (earlier this year) - the trees looked very different (no leaves last time, colored leaves this time). After saying goodbye to Mike (0845), I headed into the woods (AT SOBO)… The temps were already in the mid 60s (and climbing) and I quickly warmed up. With a series of short “roller coaster” hills, I worked up a sweat and started wondering if I’d brought enough water. Fortunately, I ended up entering a deep “hollow”, where I encountered fog (and 10 degree cooler temps). During this time, I started to pass NOBO section hikers - I counted 15 by the end of the day. Mostly, I just exchanged pleasantries and shared info about the route behind me. But I talked a bit longer to a group of four middle aged friends from Tallahassee who were on their annual group hike - they add new miles (in order) each year. I also spoke with a young kid (Jason, 24, Gaithersburg) who was on a 30 day “hike as far as I can before I have to stop” trip. He was SO enthusiastic - it was infectious! After passing the Groundhog Creek Shelter (Deep Gap), I started a long climb up Snowbird Mountain and left the shade. By the time I (somehow) reached the summit (~4.2K feet), I was fully exposed to the hot sun as a traversed a wide bald. I passed the Snowbird VORTAC (I’m sure I used it once or twice!), got a couple of glimpses of the high Smokies and then plunged back into the trees for the last four (plus) miles of my hike. I passed a lot of evidence (fresh scat, torn up trees, etc.) that there were bears in the area but I didn’t see them. I could hear the loud sounds of I-40 for the last few hours and it continued to get hotter. I ended up in “get ‘R done” mode towards the end - the ambiance wasn’t keeping me in the mountains… I reached Green Corner Road (TN) by 1445 and got off the AT (headed to Standing Bear Hostel). On the way, I talked for a bit with a troubled lady who was considering leaving the AT because her boyfriend had quit earlier. Not sure if I helped her (just by listening)... Continued on the gravel road and, just before I reached my car, I saw a young bear scrambling through the woods nearby - he kept stopping to look at me and, when I didn’t run away, he edged further away. With this good omen, I was feeling pretty good to finish a nice 13 mile day. Quickly got changed and left the area, using I-40 to reach I-81 and then continuing north. I talked to Brenna, Mollie and my dad on the way. Encountered major traffic (30+ minute delay) just south of the TN/VA line but there was no alternative. Eventually got going again and made good time after I entered Virginia. I passed a big hill covered with bright orange pumpkins (in the Wytheville area). Switched to US-460 at Christiansburg and met Mollie for dinner at Macado's in Blacksburg (1915). We had a nice meal and visit and then I drove to the Econolodge (Christiansburg at I-81) for the night (2100). Cleaned up, rested and read until going to bed at 2300. I’ve now completed all the AT miles south of New Hampshire except for 60ish inside GSMNP - I’m excited thinking about planning the trip to get that done next Spring! Will see Brenna tomorrow! AT Today = 12.5 miles / Grand Total AT = 1893.6 miles / AT Left = 291.7 miles
