McAfee Knob

Day hikers don't normally understand what's it's like to thru-hike, and I am no exception.  I check the weather, make sure that it's not going to rain, grab the appropriate gear for the temperature and set out on the day of. I don't understand the seemingly randomness of weather, expecting the unexpected, and hoping that you have the gear you'll need for the trail ahead...however many thousand miles that is.

I swear this isn't a philosophical tirade.

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Blacksburg, VA area with a friend, but sadly for us the weather wasn't cooperating for our many planned outdoor adventures.  One of which was to hike the 8.3-mile out and back hike to McAfee Knob, considered one of the Appalachian Trail's most photographed places.  I had no idea when I'd have another opportunity to hike this section of the AT, so I told my friend: Let's go for it!  Let's just do it!  She, being the trooper she is, agreed, and we set out to get backpack covers and be on our way!

Up to this point, we had never hiked in the haze or rain--the frozen stuff.. ice/snow/etc ...yes but never rain--so we weren't quite sure what to expect. It was certainly a different experience from hiking knowing it's going to be a beautiful day! Our hike to McAfee Knob was just foggy and hazy, and when we arrived, it was so mysterious--shrouded in fog.

One bonus of our foggy summit was that I had no idea how far it was if we fell, so I was fearless!  My hiking companion had done this hike previously, and was constantly concerned that I was getting too close to the edge.  But, I didn't care; I couldn't tell how high up we were!  For once, I was fearless.  For once, I felt free of my self-imposed constraints!

Our return back to the car was speckled with rain droplets.  Nice, refreshing sprinkles--a nice respite from our sweaty, steamy summit.    

I learned a valuable lesson that day.  Not all hikes need to be enjoyed in "perfect" weather, with the sun shining and cumulus clouds splayed over a ocean blue sky.  Every hike, no matter what the weather, is memorable.