Date: 2007-04-25
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter, VA

To: Econolodge, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

4:00 AM is an ungodly hour to wake up and go hiking at, yet that's what we did. When my alarm went off, I crawled out of the shelter and looked at the sky. It was clear and starry, so I woke up XI and we quickly packed up and left. We'd overestimated the climb, expecting to be slowed down by the dark and a steep slope, but it was a smooth trail and with our head lamps on, we moved almost as quickly as normal, and arrived up top at about 5:15. It was still pitch black, so we settled in to wait. Eventually, the sky began to lighten, and we could first see one ridgeline then more and more ridges and valleys. By 6:30 or so, the sun had risen, and we'd had a cold breakfast, hot chocolate, and taken rolls and rolls of photos. McAfee Knob is the most photographed spot on the AT (according to Butch), and for good reason. There is a pile of rocks on top, with a couple sticking out over a ledge. To the side is a perfect place to take a picture of the overhang. It was a beautiful place to watch the sunrise.The rest of the day wasn't quite as good. There were more rocky ridges that went on forever. By noon, my feet were sore again, and rubbing on the tops of my boots. I think the heat makes them swell up and rub. My feet were soon killing me on every stop. I was never so glad to get into town as when I came out to the road today.I picked up my box at the outfitters, along with a new fuel cannister, a can of goldbond, and a platypus to replace the one that got left at a shelter. On the recommendation of one of the girls at the outfitters, XI and I went to the BBQ place next door. It was the right choice, absolutely delicious. I had a smoked salmon quesadilla (they smoke everything themselves!), then a jerk BBQ pork sandwich with sweetpotato fries and peach ketchup. The ketchup tasted like peach jam, but a little saltier. it was so good I had to get some extra plus about five or six glasses of sweet tea to offset the salt on the fries. By the time I was done, I could barely move, but I was happy. I think I figured out how not to lose weight while on the trail: when you get to town, eat as much as possible. So far, it's working for me.We're now at the Econolodge, splitting a room. I've talked with my parents, had some more food, taken a much-needed shower, and done some even-more-badly-needed laundry. I think I'm ready to head back on the trail tomorrow.The BrainMcAfee Knob sunrise-1 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-5 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-7 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-8 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-9 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-10 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-12 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-13 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-14 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-15 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-16 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-17 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-18 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-19 - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob sunrise-20 - Click picture to see full sizeWith XI on McAfee Knob - Click picture to see full sizeBugs mating - Click picture to see full sizeOverhanging rock - Click picture to see full sizeMcAfee Knob - Click picture to see full sizeCatawba Valley - Click picture to see full sizeXI on Tinker Cliffs - Click picture to see full size