Shakedown Trip #4 – Coming Soon

Actually it’s coming real soon – is in right now. I just got home from work and I’m about to leave for Shakedown Trip #4! Once again, you see why the last trip had to get posted quickly. Apparently, I blog better under pressure. I absolutely never want to go on a trip without having fully recorded the previous trip here.

So, where am I off to? To the A.T., of course! Specifically, I’m headed to the area of trail featuring McAfee Knob and Tinker’s Cliff. This is one of the most, if not the most, traveled sections of the A.T. In fact, McAfee Knob is considered to be the most photographed feature on the entire trail. It is a ledge that juts out the side of the mountain. It is somewhat of a tradition to have a photo of one’s self sitting or standing on the ledge. Here is a photo for your convenience.

McAfee Knob

Rest assured, I will have a picture of me sitting and standing on that ledge! That’s assuming someone will be near whom I can ask. So, below is an overview map from Google Earth showing the section of trail I’m hiking. It looks better if you bring up the full resolution version. Point A is where VA 311 crosses the A.T. There is a parking area there and that’s my starting point. Point B is the Lamberts Meadow Shelter and Campsite where I will stay on Saturday night. Point C is where US 220 crosses the A.T. There is a BP gas station right at the crossing which is my end point.

Overview Map

You know I’m huge on context and usually provide you a context map. Not this time – I’m trying to get out of here quickly. But for context, this area is just to the Northwest of the Roanoke area – just on the other side of I-81. Here’s what the itinerary looks like:

• Day 0 – September 26, 2014 – Friday: Drive to my cousin Jennifer’s place in Roanoke.
• Day 1 – September 27, 2014 – Saturday: Get up super early and drive about 30 minutes to the intersection of VA 311 with the A.T. Then park car and hike to point Lamberts Meadow Shelter/Campsite area. Total hiking distance, 10.7 miles.
• Day 2 – September 28, 2014 – Sunday: Get up super early and hike to the BP station where US 220 crosses the A.T. Jennifer will be picking me up at 4pm. She will then drive me back to my car. Total hiking distance, 9.1 miles

I actually expect to see a bunch of people. Like I said, this is a highly traveled section of the trail. I will be very surprised if no one were out there. Oh, and notice that Day 1’s mileage is 10.7 miles. It will be the first time I’ve hiked over 10 miles in the mountains with gear on. I’m not concerned though; this part of the trail contains no massive ascents or descents. The energy saved can be put towards distance.

You may have noticed that I haven’t used the “we” word. Unfortunately for this trip, Danny is unable to come along. He has a really full load of classes this term, and can’t spend the time. He’s been a great hiking partner, and I will miss him this time. On the flip side, this will be my first attempted solo outing since Shakedown Trip #1 – which didn’t end as planned. So here’s the chance to correct that situation once and for all. Here’s wishing me luck!!!

So, with this announcement posted, I’m outa here!

Wandering On…

Kelly