At the first sound of rain drops hitting the tent, I was awake and moving. It started as sporadic, light drops. My gear was packed and covered without getting too wet. Just as the rain picked up, I hit the trail. 

The rain couldn’t make up its mind. I stopped several times to take off or put on rain gear. The terrain was the usual AT ups and downs. Some gradual. Some steep. Some rocky. The rain made a normally challenging downhill very difficult. The footing was tricky and I proceeded at a very slow pace. Everyone passed me. I didn’t care. I just didn’t want to fall. 

Near the bottom of the descent, the rain made up its mind. It decided to pour. I pressed on in the deluge. The trail turned into a creek. Eventually, I was soaked through from sweat and rain. My slog ended at the Fontana Dam Visitors Center. 
I had a reservation at the Lodge. Shortly after checking in, the property took a lightning strike. Housekeeping checked every room to ensure the televisions still worked. Mine was one of the survivors. It took several hours to repair the wireless. 
Hit the restaurant for some hot food, cold beer, and Hiker tales. 
Tomorrow…laundry, resupply, and prepare for the Smokies. 
Not liking the weather forecasts I’m seeing…snow.