Day 26, Hogback Ridge Shelter to Sam's Gap

Rain continued off and on overnight, and as the temperature dropped it became freezing rain. Fortunately, the rain stopped just before dawn.

There was a large area around Hogback Ridge Shelter for tents and it was heavily used. Because of the rain, this area was now mostly mud.

This was not a fun morning for packing up and getting back on the trail. The worst part was putting on clothes that were still soaked from yesterday's rain, and were now cold from near-freezing temperatures.

As I chatted with the trail magic hosts I learned the forecast for tonight was not looking good. More rain and dropping temperatures were predicted. Up to a couple inches of snow were expected in higher elevations by late evening. This news was not the kind of incentive I needed to get back to hiking.

After enjoying a bit more food, I finally decided to suck it up and put my pack back on. As I was reaching for it, another hiker turned to me and said, "I just called a shuttle to take us into Erwin. Want to join us?"

It took me less than two seconds to consider my options and say yes. Ten minutes later three other hikers and I were squeezed into a subcompact car and headed to Erwin.

On the way, I said to the group, "I don't know any of you yet. I'm Gravity." I learned I was traveling with Skittles (she had called the shuttle) and Jeff, who were hiking as a couple, and Tentpole.

After the introductions, Tentpole turned to me and said, "Do you want to share a room?"

"Sure!" I answered.

And such is the way of the Appalachian Trail. Within minutes of meeting complete strangers you are friends and sharing motel rooms.

Our shuttle driver, Marie Bradford, took us to the Super 8 Motel.

After doing my laundry and just hanging out to rest, it was time to get some dinner and resupply for the next few days.

The motel wasn't near any good options, so I had to walk a couple miles. I decided upon a Mexican restaurant. On the way to it I saw Bluestem, Uncle Puck, Wahoo and a hiker I had not met before named White Beard. They were exiting a Chinese restaurant, so I chatted with them a bit.

I had not seen these guys since Franklin, N.C. Though I had taken eight days off after finishing the Smokies, they were now only one day ahead of me. They had gotten off the trail where the trail is closer to Erwin than where I exited today.

After dinner I stopped at a Food Lion grocery store, then went back to the motel.

The day turned out nothing like I anticipated it would be, but I wasn't complaining.