McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 9/23/2024 | AT Mile 781.8 | Day Total: 13.9 miles | Gain: 2316 ft

50 days!!! Packed up as quietly as I could this morning. There’s 3 others still asleep. I transferred all my stuff to the table outside the shelter to stuff into my bag.

I ate breakfast at the main building not too far away. They conveniently have water fountains and bathrooms up there. I got just under 15 miles to a market today that also has a deli. Hoping to just snack until I can get to the market for a late lunch. I’m really looking forward to that sandwich.

Passed the beach again this morning as I headed the .5 miles back to the trail. As expected nobody’s here. It must get really busy here because there’s probably over 30 charcoal grills and picnic tables around.

Didn’t have many views today but early on I passed a mining road. FarOut says it was likely used to move ore with horses.

I was moving pretty fast through the middle of my hike because there weren’t view or notable features. It’s super nice having a light pack with nearly no food.

As I was climbing up Canopus Hill it began to rain. I wasn’t expecting rain today? I checked the radar and there was a green cell coming my direction not stopping until 4pm. I was hoping to go to the market before I get to camp but I made the destination to head straight to camp (still 4 miles away). Getting caught in rain while trying to resupply didn’t sound appealing.

The rain stopped for a while. I think by walking south I’ve avoided the cell a little? I still planned on going to the camp tonight before the market because the rains still coming my way.

As I climbed up Denning Hill the rain picked up again. The tree canopy delays me getting wet for a little bit but I’m still a mile from camp. I picked up may pace a bit in hope to avoid the majority of the rain.

I’m camped at Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. They’ve kindly opened up their baseball field and pavilion to hikers. The best part is they’ve got running water and an outdoor shower. Although cold it was very refreshing!

I also washed my shirt and socks while I was at it. They both collect a lot of dirt and sweat. The light color of the shirt really makes the grime pop.

The rain continued off and on for the next few hours. I waited until it stopped before I made the mile walk to the market. Two women showed up shortly after I did and one was carrying an 8 month old baby! They had walked nearly 150 and are stopping at the Hudson tomorrow. Crazy!

I made the long hilly road walk to the market. They see many hikers here and have a section where hikers can find “hiker food”. I loaded up with 3 days of food, an Italian combo (hero size) and an Arnold Palmer. I then walked the MILE back to the pavilion.

The Italian combo was really good. It’s super nice have some down time and ending my day early at 1pm. The past few days I’ve laid down some miles.

Another hiker that I was with last night showed up here this afternoon. Sounds like he didn’t sleep well last night because his hammock was too much of a banana shape.

Just before I went on a FaceTime with my family a sobo thruhiker named Full Moon walked in. He started early July but took a month off so he’s moving at about the same pace as I am.

FaceTimed my family just before nightfall (6:50pm at this point). The mosquitos were attacking me as we were talking. It’s always nice to hear what happening back at home! Congrats Ewan for cutting a whole minute off your (cross country) time!

I set my tent up once the rain had passed. There’s a chance for another cell to roll though but it’s slim. I’m crossing my fingers to pack up a dry tent in the morning. For the remainder of the night I’m going to watch a movie, not sure what one yet. We’ll see how long I can stay awake…