McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 9/03/2024 | AT Mile 407.2 | Day Total: 17.6 miles | Gain: 5254 ft

Ate an egg, cheese, bacon, bagel this morning. Thanks dad! Also had a cup of coffee and chocolate milk. I was pretty much packed up last night so we headed out just before 7.

Like planned my parents hiked with me this morning. I ended my hike two days ago just before the ascent of Mt Moosilauke so we’ve got a climb ahead of us right off the bat. It was rocky and steep but we went up 1000ft and 1 mile before they headed back to the car. The trail was very pretty as we were following a stream with a collection of waterfalls all the way up.

Once they left I continued up Mt Moosilauke where the steep remained until the shelter close to the ridge. I took a break and drank the pure leaf raspberry tea I packed. While I was taking my break Kill Bill walked up. We talked for a bit then we continued up. It was much windier than I expected. It was still cool as it was early in the morning. The wind chill was cold but I keep moving until the peak where I went just over the other side of the ridge away from the wind. I had a snack and continued down.

The hike down was long, like 3800 feet down long. I recently downloaded Libby, an audio book player that connects to your library. So I downloaded a few books to listen to while I hike. I can only handle so much of the nature sounds everyday. I went through some of the first fields I’ve seen today. They are not so popular in Maine and northern New Hampshire.

I ate my sandwich for lunch at Jeffers Brook Shelter. I sat on the steps to rest my feet rather than dangle them off the edge. I had added the leftover breakfast bacon to it so it added a nice touch.

I had another hike up to a smaller mountain, Mt Mist. It’s wooded and not a 4K. I won’t be going up many 4K mountains anytime soon. I did enjoy the silly summit sign though.

On my way up I passed two trail maintainers. One of which was carrying a chain saw. I later saw a lots of wood shavings and freshly cut lumber across the trail. They must have cleared some blow downs. Thank you!

Kill Bill caught up to me as I was 4ish miles from the road. We talked and walked for the remaining miles I had left. I called my parents when I was about 3 miles out to check in and see if they had made it back from Mt Washington and they were. They are on their way to pick me up at Cape Moonshine Road.

The few miles leading up to the road went by fast. I showed up just a minute after my mom and dad had pulled in so perfect timing! Kill Bill continued onto the next shelter for the night.

Once I was settled back at the vrbo we went out to Nachos, a Mexican restaurant. I got some tacos with lots of rice. We were also served chips and salsa for an appetizer.

We drive back and I packed up for the most part. We’ll leave tomorrow morning and are planning on going to the diner across the street. My parents will drop me back off and head to Rhinebeck NY where my dad grew up.

Lots of resting this evening. Spending my last night in this bed. It’s been nice for as long as it’s lasted.