I woke up at around 0600 to a huge (loud) thunderstorm outside. Still stymied in my desire to get going on my AT hike, I did my best to pass the time - I spent the next few hours reading and resting in my room. At around 0800, I walked (through sprinkles of rain) up to the main building at the Resort to check on whether my room had been extended to Sunday - fortunately, I found out that it had. The lobby was filled with car enthusiasts, who were also all waiting for the weather to improve. I explored the grounds a bit, although I didn't want to stray too far from the dry Resort buildings. There were a LOT more Hondas (of all kinds) parked around the property and I felt right at home with my rented HR-V. Back in my room (0900), I ate a light breakfast (snacks) and then re-packed my backpack (this time, with food too). I was able to slim down the contents and felt good about the potential ability to be able to leave on a moment's notice if that ever turned out to be possible. Unfortunately, it didn't... After that, I caught up on some more reading and paperwork for the next few hours as the weather outside slowly improved. However, since the wind was still negatively affecting the High Peaks, US-441 didn't open. So, after a light lunch (snacks) at around noon, I found myself going stir-crazy in my room. At around 1500, I departed the hotel and drove around the area near the Dam, exploring and getting some steps above the lake and in the discharge valley below. It was VERY windy on top of the Dam itself but warm because the sun had come out. During my visit, I spoke with the volunteer caretakers at the Visitor Center and they shared some interesting stories about the weather and hikers who were also having difficulty with transportation. With a warm/dry hotel room and a backup plan for my section hike, I realized I should be counting my blessings... After getting back to the Resort (1730), I walked down the hill to the Wildwood Grill and hung out at the bar again. This time, I ate dinner (buffalo chicken strips and cole slaw) and drank some more local beers. I finished visiting with the staff and some locals at around 1900 and then walked back to my room. I spent the rest of the evening re-checking my backpack, reading and watching movies, heading to bed at around 2200. It had felt very strange to have a weekend day where I really didn't accomplish anything - I've been going almost full tilt since I departed from Vermont (and maybe even longer). With the possibility of my hiking plans for the morning being nixed again (there were still high winds and thunderstorms, while US-441 was still closed), I crossed my fingers that this was the only extra day and night I'd need at the Fontana Village Resort... It was a nice place to stay but I'm still hoping the weather clears by the AM so I can get down to AT business in the Smokies!
