McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 12/09/2024 | AT Mile 2128.0 | Day Total: 4.5 miles | Gain: 1191 ft

Didn’t sleep great last night. I could hear the rodents in the shelter scurrying around but I somehow didn’t see any. Once the rain came around 10pm it drowned out the rodent noise. Woke up at 6:15 this morning and grabbed my bag from the bear box. There is an absurd amount of garbage in the bear box – more than I could carry out. Disappointing to see that people just leave it there.

Took my time making breakfast on the second floor. The platform is pretty skinny and you have to sleep perpendicular to the normal way. I eventually started packing up and started hiking at 7:30. It was still raining and very foggy.

Don’t have far to go today. Just 4.5 miles to Dick’s Creek Gap. Then I’ll be in a dry climate! Got one 700ft climb to start out with then a small bump after that. It’s warm today, 55 degrees. It was quite clammy in my rain jacket and pants climbing up the mountain. I eventually made it to Cowart Gap just before the little bump.

At the top of the little bump I messaged the hostel to let them know I’m arriving a little early. They said they’d be there! I was picked up at 9:30 and taken back to the hostel by Bill. He gave me a quick tour – it’s super nice! I then jumped into the shower before we headed to the outfitter and grocery store at 11.

“Slip and Slide” and Franks are also here tonight although they are out hiking at the moment. They are slackpacking today.

I relaxed a before Bill drove me into Hiawassee. We stopped at the outfitter where I grabbed some fuel and signed the hiker wall. We then headed over to the grocery store and I got some food – the last resupply I’ll do! The town of Hiawassee is really nice, lake and mountains a beautiful! I also placed an order for a pizza at Marco’s down the street for lunch.

Once back at the hostel Bill helped me move my groceries to the common area and I devoured my pizza. Not long after Nimrod joined me. When I say we talked for over 2hrs I’m not kidding. He’s awesome, older but super involved in the trail. He’s been attached to the AT ever since his first thru hike in 1980! He admits to hiking the trail two other times. We talked about everything from trails in Europe to technical fabrics and shoes. I’ve never meet another hiker as interested in the technical parts of gear before. He’s got a collection of over 100 backpacks – he calls it his warehouse.

After our extensive conversation I organized my food and uploaded a few journals. It’s odd because the ones I’m scheduling will be posted after I’m finished.

Once “Slip and slide” and Franks were done hiking Bill took us to the Marina Station. It was one of the only restaurants open in town today. Once again end up in town on a Monday… I ordered a chicken caesar salad. It was good but I wish it had more chicken. Donna was ready in the parking lot and took us by Dollar General on our way back to grab a pint of icecream.

It was 8 when we got back and I had a FaceTime with the family! The last before I’m done- crazy! A lot of “lasts” today. Last night at a hostel. Last resupply. I could go on…

We enjoyed our icecream while we watched a tv show. It was one of those drama shows. I half heartedly listened in. Got ready for bed afterword and journaled. Looks like I’ve got another day or two of rain. At least it’s not too cold.