McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 11/28/2024 | AT Mile 1948.4 | Day Total: 23.0 miles | Gain: 6051 ft

Happy Thanksgiving! Woke up a few times last night so some rain hitting my tent. Was able to roll right back to sleep. At 6:45 I began to get ready for the day. The rain should stop around 9 but it’s only occasionally coming down now. Only got down to 50 degrees last night. It’s supposed to cool down throughout the day.

I debated whether for not I wanted to wear my rain pants today. I decided I would (later found this was a good decision). The rain was light when I left and I was expecting it to stop soon. I really didn’t my all my stuff damp when it’s going below freezing tonight.

I packed everything up into tent and brought it over to the half covered picnic table before taking down my tent. I’m going to stop by the water source to filter some water before stating my hike. As I did, the rain came pouring down. Not much I can do about it…

The rain continued, more misty than anything, as I climbed up Bluff Mountain and past Garenflo Gap. I spotted a hunter in high vis walking along the ridge just before the Gap.

As I climbed higher up Bluff Mountain it got cooler and I was in a misty fog. The mist would collect and the wind would blow a layer of large drops on me. I was expecting it not to be raining now… Up here I had some service so I check the radar and it showed nothing…

As I made my way down Bluff Mountain the mist continued and my rain gear had soaked through. It was acting more as a wind breaker now. The air temperature had also dropped to around 40 degrees. Not a fun combo to be hiking in. My breaks were short and I was moving fast to keep my temperature up. I could put on more layers but I’d like to keep them dry for tonight.

I soon made it to Walnut Mountain Shelter after another climb. This may be the roughest looking shelter I’ve seen on the AT. Leakes and nails everywhere. I’d be surprised if an air sleeping pad would make it through a night in here.

I took a less than 5min break here and had a protein bar. I don’t think I’ll eat a full lunch today. I can only stop for a couple minutes before I get chilly.

I continued on for another 4.5 miles to Roaring Fork Shelter. The trail descend and climbed 600ft to the shelter. The climb was hardly noticeable over the course of a few miles. Misty rain continued in what felt like a cloud I was hiking in. These are the days that really test you mentally.

Next up was Max Patch. I was preparing myself to fly through the bald expecting it to be super windy. It wasn’t terribly windy but still wicked the warmth away. Pulled my phone out for half a second to snap a picture.

There were some fresh shoe and dog prints in the mud. I’m not the only crazy one out here!

After Max Patch I went another 7 miles to the shelter I planned on staying tonight. I cruised all the way there, down and up a few bumps along the way. I was looking forward to getting comfortable and dry.

The shelters .2 off trail and the water sources is a bit further past the shelter. I decided to grab water while I was still in my shoes and wet. It would have been a headache to do later.

Back at the shelter I layered back up. I keep my damp clothing on, aside from my socks, because it’ll dry while I’m wearing it.

I made some dinner and was having the time of my life keeping a mouse from infiltrating my food. Multiple times it would come up and search around. I was ready with my handsaw nearby – haven’t got him yet… he still comes up to me even after my foods 100 yards away in the bearbox.

I’ve got cell service tonight which is a surprise and really nice. Hope everyone’s tummy’s are full – mine never seems to be nowadays!