McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 9/12/2024 | AT Mile 556.8 | Day Total: 14.7 miles | Gain: 2651 ft

Everyone was up and packing up at 6 this morning except for one of the LT hikers on the bunk above me. No critter sounds last night but there was some snoring. Slept very well otherwise. I packed most of the way up then had some breakfast.

The first 7ish miles are generally flat and cruzy. Prospect Rock had a nice view over Manchester.

I passed a ton of trail work today. Lots of recently placed rocks to avoid mud and even a bridge in the works. They had massive beams to stretch across the span.

Just before climbing up to Stratton Mountain the trail passes by Stratton pond. It’s not directly visible from the trail so I had to hike a quarter mile to it. I heard rumors of super nice views here and I had to get some water before I climb anyway.

The pond was beautiful. No one else was around so it was very peaceful with the breeze and the small waves hitting the shore. The leaves are noticeably changing color now. There is a red hue to the forest now. There was a spring just around the corner that I filtered water from.

The climb up Stratton Mountain was not bad aside from the heat. I cruised right up but today was warmer than past days. I got to the top where Kill Bill was and ate some lunch. We’re planning on getting down to the road for a shuttle at 4 today to the Wicked Waystation.

The views were spectacular. Some of the best I’ve had for a while. I enjoyed a snicker bar and Fritos at the top. Still don’t like heights…

There’s a side trail that takes you to a chairlift to the ski resort but it wasn’t worth the walk. I’ve passed more ski resorts than I had ever expected. I guess the AT and skiing have a common theme, mountains.

After eating lunch, Bill Kill and I made our way down to the parking area. It’s only 3.8 miles away. It was all down hill and I move through it fast. I cranked out that 3.8 in 1hr and 15min. It was just after 3 so I started to fill out my spreadsheet and the journal for today while we waited for our 4 o’clock ride.

Thais pick Kill Bill and I up and took us 15min to the hostel. During our drive there a group of cross country skiers on roller blade skis were skating up the road. Thais said it’s a it’s a fairly common school sport here. She drove us by the small local market where we can do a resupply and food for dinner. There’s a total of six of us here tonight. The four others are LT hikers.

It’s a super nice place! Clean and has all the amenities you could imagine, including a grill and full kitchen. I plan to put both to use later for dinner. After the tour I immediately jumped into the shower. Sooooo refreshing… I then throw my clothes into the washer and emptied my backpack.

The market is a short 5 min walk down the street. They have an okay resupply, good enough for a few days. I checked the fridge before we left and there was caesar dressing as well as an assortment of spices on the counter. I was planning on making chicken caesar salad tonight with use of the grill. They were kind enough to give me a cardboard box to put everything in after I checked out. I forgot to grab a bag before I left the hostel…

Once I was back I turned the grill on and prepped the chicken. There was an Italian seasoning I put on the chicken. I’ve grilled steak and burgers before but never chicken. I grilled it till it was medium rare. Just kidding! It was throughly cooked through but not over cooked. Perfect! They only had packages of 2 breasts available so I grilled both of them. While the chicken was on the grill I cut the lettuce and stuck it into the freezer for a few minutes. I’d say it was a successful dinner!

I talked with Kill Bill and two other LT hikers while I ate. To my surprise I was able to eat all the chicken.

After dinner I called my family and packed my bag for the morning. I plan to make bacon and pancakes tomorrow morning for breakfast. They have a box of pancake batter here already and I got the bacon from the market earlier. I’m writing this journal in the peaceful living room before I head to bed.