McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 11/04/2024 | AT Mile 1569.4 | Day Total: 16.5 miles | Gain: 3763 ft

Alarm went off at 6 this morning although we were up slightly before then. It’s a bit chilly this morning. Even though the winds blowing on the other side of the shelter there’s still a small draft coming in. If you know the term “breakfast in bed” we took that to the next level: cook breakfast in bed.

Dad made some more coffee for us this morning! As the sun rose and the sky turned a beautiful cotton candy pink color.

After packing up we took a quick selfie at the shelter. It was 7am when we began hiking the 6 miles into town. We wanted to get an early start so we had some time in town for lunch and I could still hike a few miles afterword. I started with my puffy jacket on because it’s going to be hard to keep heat in with the wind blowing. I’m also not generating as much heat because we’re going down.

The descent is gradual back to Pearisburg. Unfortunately my dad twisted his ankle a mile or two into the hike. We’re walking on medium sized gravel with the occasional rock poking up out of the leaves. It makes it difficult to see what your foot’s going to land on.

Once we were mostly down there were a few bumps we had to climb over. At this point I pulled off my puffy jacket. Notice in the picture below that they’re still leaves on the trees. It’s fascinating how that can change so quickly with a little bit of elevation loss.

We were able to see the bridge across the New River. In a mile will be walking right over it. The cars parked just on the other side.

Before we crossed we first went underneath the bridge and up a set of stairs. That way we won’t have to cross the busy highway.

While mom and dad picked up the car from the lot I walked over to the trailhead a quarter mile away. It’ll be a better place to say goodbye whenever they drop me back off. Our shuttle driver recommended packing the car elsewhere because this lot doesn’t have lights.

5 minutes later they pick me up and we drove back into Pearisburg. We stoped at Walmart and I grabbed some food for the next few days. We also grabbed some lunch at The Happy Hog restaurant in town. I got a burger and fries and it was the perfect amount of food to feel full but not sick. They had some outlets inside that I was able to charge my phone and power bank with which was convenient.

After lunch it was time to return to the trail. I spent some time at the trailhead organizing food and gear. I stuffed myself with a Gatorade, muffins (thanks megan) and packed a few of the best sugar cookies for later. We said our goodbyes. It’s difficult to see them go after spending so much time with them. Leaves a sore spot in my throat.

Had a big climb out of the gate. I took it slowly so I didn’t upset my stomach. I also didn’t feel super energetic after seeing them go. My motivation levels was lowered.

At the top is Angle’s Rest Rock. It’s got a really good view of Pearisburg below. I was able to follow the roads we drove on in town including the grocery store we stopped and the trailhead. A good view lifts the sprits up a bit.

Nearby was a massive rock bolder along the side trail. Pretty neat.

I continued hiking along the ridge passing multiple views of the town and community below.

The few miles leading up to Doc’s Knob Shelter consisted of tunnels of laurel. It was very pretty. I arrived at the shelter at sunset so I had a few minutes of daylight to spare.

The shelter was covered in mouse droppings and the comments say they’ll “run relays over your sleeping bag” so I pitched my tent nearby. There’s a pipe right under the deck of the shelter thats got a slight flow which is nice considering how far up I am right now and how dry it’s been.

I’m exhausted, and ready for a good nights rest. Having cooked dinner, I journaled and headed to bed.