Stephanie's Trail Journal

June 28th

Beginning Point: Audie Murphy Monument
Ending Point: Johns Spring Shelter
Daily Mileage: 17.7 Miles
Total Miles: 695.3 Miles
Weather: Sunny, for a change. A little bit hot.

Today was an interesting day. We woke early today so that we could be at McAfee Knob at sunrise. We arrived a few minutes late, but this was one of the most breath-taking places we've seen thus far. I think I would hike this area again. Unfortunately, Dan left his glasses 2.5 miles back at the shelter; so at 7:00 am he made his first slackpack on the trail. Stephan and I enjoyed the morning sun by reading and making coffee while waiting for Dan's return. He made great time, 5 miles in 1.5 hours time. We stayed for another 1.5 hours so that Blackfoot would also have a chance to enjoy the morning.

Several miles down the trail we came to Tinker Cliffs... These are cool boulders and outcroppings from the mountaintop. This must be the lunch spot because as we sat and enjoyed our lunches, a deer moseyed up and lunched on some greens nearby. Noisily munched, I might add.

The last 8 miles of the day were pretty rough for me; lots of rocks to scramble over on the trail, lots of ups and downs, and finally the decent into Troutville. My feet had enough and were giving me all kinds of grief - I ended up hiking the last 3 miles in my crocs (I'll get a photo of these guys - ugly, but great for camp).