McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 10/16/2024 | AT Mile 1219.8 | Day Total: 25.3 miles | Gain: 5860 ft

Chilly 40 degree morning. I enjoyed some hot oatmeal and coffee/hot chocolate mix in my tent. By the time I was packed up and walking away from Sam Moore Shelter it was 8:30. A bit later than I would have liked but that’s okay.

I’ve got about 7 miles left of the rollercoaster this morning. It’s really not too bad, just a bit meaningless when I go up and have no view. There’s supposed to be a view from Buzzard Hill but it was dissatisfactory.

I took a quick break at a spring and filtered some water. I could have gone to a further water source but spring water sounded yummy. Shortly after I hit the 1000 miles left to Springer Mountain sign!!!

Not long after I exited the Rollercoaster! I continued to go up another hill without a view afterword… classic AT.

I ate lunch a Duke Hollow a little earlier than I normally eat lunch. I was feeling hungry and wanted to filter water anyway. I’m really enjoying my pepperoni and cheese wraps. I was ready to start hiking after a while because I was getting chills.

After lunch I crossed routes 50 and 70. They were pretty busy but patience is key.

I continued on and climbed up to Sky Meadows State Park. The trail is really nice through this section because it’s flat on top and a nice dirt path clear of any obstructions like rocks. I did notice a surplus of Spotted Lantern Flys on the trees here. It’s easy to spot a tree with them because it’s got black residue all over it.

Took a quick pit stop at Manassas Gap shelter and continued onto Jim & Molly Denton Shelter about 6 miles away. I crossed under VA 55 and snapped a picture of the large AT sign on the entrance back into the woods.

I climbed up to a meadow and the sun was blaring into my eyes. Once I was through most of the meadow I was able to look back and see the wonderful scenery.

I walked up to another sobo hiker named Slip and Slide. She hitched to the restaurant down the street and I packing donuts out for others to eat at the shelter!

When I arrived at Jim & Molly Denton Shelter there were 3 other sobo hikers here. It seems that I’ve encountered a little sobo bubble! Kill Bill was here also here. The six of us sat around, enjoyed donuts, dinner and talked. It was nice to hear some other voices for a change.

It’s going to be another cold night but I’ll be plenty warm. I’m excited for the upcoming weeks because I’m going to have some visitors! Megan and Seth (megan’s friend) are going to join me the weekend of the 25th! My mom the following! And my dad sometime after near Roan Mountain!