Fontana Dam, NC to Garenflo Gap, NC

Day 1, Thursday, September 28

Low Gap to Abington Gap Shelter, 4.8 miles

I spend the morning finishing some last minute packing and running errands. I finally get away from home around 11:30 AM. I drive up the mountain toward Boone as fast as I can safely do so. I'm going to have to hustle to get everything done and get to the first shelter by dark. I pick up Highway 421 in Boone and cruise through easily for a change. Sometimes the traffic in Boone can be a bear!

I drive to Damascus first to check out things at "The Place". No one is around and after trying to hitch a ride out to Shady Valley for thirty minutes, I decide to drive and leave my car at the trailhead. I don't want to have to do that, but there doesn't seem to be another way. Last time I left my truck at Hwy 91 and the AT above Shady Valley, someone broke out one of my headlights. I don't want a repeat.

I reach Deep Gap (Hwy 421) above Shady Valley at 3:00 PM. A few last minute things to adjust, and I'm away at 3:10 PM. Back on the trail again! This 1 1/2 day warm-up hike is off to a fast start. I reach Abington Gap Shelter at 5:35 PM, just as a hunter walks up the trail in the opposite direction. He's dressed in camo and is carrying a bow. He's headed out though.

It's going to be a cool cozy evening. Finally feels like fall after the warm September we've had. The high temperature today was approx. 62 degrees. It'll reach high thirties/low forties for the low tonight. There is a slight breeze across the top of the ridge. The shelter sits on top of the ridge and catches most of the breeze.

I cook supper and then walk down the hill behind the shelter for water. I pack up my stuff as it begins to darken. Spotted my first and second mouse of the trip already inside the shelter. Seems like old times again. It's dark before 8:00 PM. I'm in bed before 9 PM, and soon asleep.