McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 8/20/2024 | AT Mile 209.9 | Day Total: 21.5 miles | Gain: 7480ft

I sleep well last night. I had a little trouble falling asleep and keep turning but eventually went out and stayed out till 6. Each bunk has a little fan which was delightful.

I signed up for breakfast at 7, from what others are saying it’s really good. And good it was! I had a cup of joe, pancakes, eggs, Sassage, potato & cheese casserole, and fruit.

The shuttle to the trail head leaves at 8 and another at 9. I was nearly packed up last night aside from basics so I took the 8am shuttle. We took the bus again and I added “sobo 24” to my name. I left the trailhead intending to hike to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to that’s 13.5 miles away.

First up was North Crocker Mountain, another of the many 4K mountains ahead (4K meaning above 4000 feet tall). The climb was not too steep but definitely long. My pack is heavy again because I just got out of town and carrying 10ish lbs of food. It’s also sprinkling but it not worth the rain jacket yet because I’ll just sweat in it going up the mountain. It’s a very rocky and foggy climb.

Right after North Crocker I hiked up to South Crocker Mountain which is slightly shorter than North Crocker. Both have no views but I can still see the sign!

After these peaks I descend 2000ft down into a valley then hike back up to Spaulding Mountain (another 4K). This was a tough steep hike. Portions of the climb were straight up (Grade 1300ft/mile). The wet rocks and roots make it challenging to not slide and I have to check the slickness before I try to step up some parts.

There are some side trails (blue blazes) that will take you to the peaks of mountains but I have been passing them as they go up a lot and the view would be nonexistent on a day like today.

While eating lunch at a view point of the Carrabassett Valley I realized that I would be getting to my intended shelter earlier than expected. I started to consider hiking an additional 8 miles to the next shelter because I’d still have daylight. I decided to feel it out once I go down to the intended shelter.

I gotta say, I really don’t like this rain. It’s not amounting to much and it’s more of a mist that sticks to everything. Any time I brush up against a bush or plant protruding into the trail I get drenched with water. It’s a nuisance.

I walked across the muddy bumpy ridge and eventually made it to the shelter. There were two older gentleman there that I talked with briefly. Sounds like the trail to the next shelter is not too technical. So I decided to do the extra 8 miles. On the way down I hit Lone Mountain’s peak. Lone Mountain is not a 4K but is still very tall.

The hike down was not bad at all. The grade was nice and the roots and rocks were back to normal levels. I was able to move pretty fast through here.

There’s a super neat waterfall from the Orbeton Stream. I made the short side trail to this one and took a pack off, snack, sit break.

The last stretch of trail before I get to the shelter is 1600 ft up and I trudged through all 1600 relatively fast. The grade was steep but manageable.

It was 7 o’clock when I arrived and there were a few people who appear to be asleep in the shelter already. But when I walked by a dog started barking so I’m not sure how well they were actually sleeping.

I decided to get water and backtrack .1 miles to a couple of okay campsites I just passed. I set my tent up and have been in it ever since it’s been set up. My feet are super dirty today so I have them a good cleanup but they are holding up well otherwise.

I had some dinner then went to bed. I’m ready for a good nights rest time.