Date: 2013-09-08
From: McAfee Knob

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

At 5 am, I was awake and sitting on McAfee Knob waiting for the sunrise. By the time it had risen into the sky, there were more than 30 people sitting on the knob. Many of them had hiked the 4 mile trail from the parking lot that morning, starting around 4:30, if not earlier. The sunrise was spectacular, and the sun came up directly between the Peaks of Otter, two very tall mountains off in the distance. Around 8:30, I headed down the mountain for the 9.5 mile trip to 4 Pines Hostel. Along the way, I met a steady stream of people heading up to the knob. I don't know that I've ever seen so many people out on one trail in one day! I had heard that McAfee Knob was the most photographed point on the trail, but I had no idea it would be like this!At one of the shelters I came to, there was a group of about 10 guys who had just finished breakfast. This was no ordinary trail breakfast - they had hiked in a two-burner Coleman grill plus gas, two frying pans, and all of the fixings for breakfast burritos! I stayed and talked for a while - the stories they were telling were so funny that I probably could have hung out all day and not been bored - but a warm shower was calling, so I headed on.The next thing that happened was so coincidental that I'm still walking around in disbelief. I was walking south and I passed a group of about 12 college-aged kids, and at the end of the pack, I recognized one of the hikers - it was Crazy Frog, a hiker I had met at The Cabin in Andover, Maine! Our groups ended up hiking near each other throughout Maine, and she summited on August 16th, completing her thru hike. Apparently she was out leading a trip for students at her college - quite the experienced guide now, I would think!At the parking lot for McAfee knob, there were easily over 40 cars - lots of people out enjoying the beautiful weekend! I arrived at 4 Pines around 12:30 and met Joe, the owner. He took me to the gas station to get some lunch and resupply - I really should have done a better job when I had the chance at the Kroger in Daleville, but I hadn't wanted to carry the extra weight the 24 miles. In hindsight, it was a silly decision, but I managed to do a pretty good resupply for not much more than I would have paid at a grocery store.At 4 Pines, I showered then sat out in the sunshine - it was another gorgeous day. Righteous was also at the hostel, and Joe got a call from Moby Dick saying that he and another hiker were on their way. This was exciting - Moby had caught back up and we were getting to meet Chip, the new hiker! Once they arrived and showered, we loaded up in the truck to go to The Homeplace, a restaurant with all you can eat home style cooking. The food came out fast, which was good because we were all hungry, and it was delicious! Fried chicken, country ham, roast beef, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, pinto beans and rolls were all placed on the table, and we were allowed to eat as much as we wanted. After dinner was a dessert of peach cobbler and ice cream. This place was a real treat, and I went to bed with a belly far fuller than its been in a long, long time!