Wow, today was basically the epitome of great scenery on the AT.
Big climbs – check
Rock scrambles – check
Amazing vistas – check
Sheer cliffs – check
This post is going to be impossible to upload on a crappy cell connection!
First highlight was the climb up to Dragon’s Tooth. This is a 20-30 foot tall stone monolith.
Looks way bigger in person.
You can climb it, but it’s out over a cliff and I was way too much of a wus.
The descent down was insanely rugged and awesome. We had some major rock scrambles and had to move very slowly. It took probably close to 45 minutes to get about 3/4 mile.
That tiny rock ledge is the trail. Yikes.
Vertical trail. At least we got a few handles to help occasionally.
Next up was McAfee Knob. It did not disappoint. We got lucky in that there were only a couple other thru-hikers up there when we summitted. The climb itself was pretty easy compared to the other ones we’ve done, but the views are unreal. We also got a few of the famous poses in. We took some photos of the other thru-hikers (Oregon and Lil Bit) and made some plans to grab some drinks with them tomorrow night in Daleville.
Crazy good views off the knob
Notice that I was too much of a wus to put both legs over the sheer cliff
Then the trail circled around 5 miles or so to Tinker Cliffs. The views were just as stunning as McAfee Knob.
Tinker Cliffs view looking back at McAfee Knob
Trail snaked along Tinker Cliffs. It was quite sheer in a lot of places.
What is this idiot pointing at? Is there something wrong with him?
We finally made camp and chatted with a cool thru-hiker named Turtle. What a great (and very tough) day of hiking. Tomorrow we are hiking about 9.5 miles into Daleville for a sweet sweet zero day.
Vital stats :
Milestone – 700 miles in the books
Miles hiked today – a bit over 23
Mood – amazed
Physical state – tired and sore, but all good
Smell – raunchy nasty dirty stank
Song stuck in my head – Tip Your Bartender by Glassjaw
OMG!!! I’m glad I’m seeing this AFTER you have your feet back on terra firma…at least for the time being. I just read a book about a thru-hiker and he had a photo of himself sitting on that ledge. I thought, “Surely Joel and Katie won’t do that!” 🙂 Your photos are so amazing; the real thing must be over the top. Your whole experience is amazing. You are amazing, too!!! Wow! Enjoy your well-deserved zero day. Not sure when you’ll see this post, so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for tomorrow. This should be a very memorable anniversary! Stay SAFE and be healthy. Still sending positive, uplifting thoughts, prayers and lots and lots of love. xoxoxoxo
Wow guys that was some insane hiking!!!! Cool picture of you two on the cliff…so scary looking (the cliff, not you guys..haha) Glad you accomplished the 700 mile marker. Keep up the good work of hiking hard AND staying safe!
I think that I was holding my breath when I saw you on the ledge. Joel – I cannot blame you for not putting your legs over the edge! Katie is crazy brave for doing that! Best wishes and enjoy your time off in Daleville.
Holy cow! Nice selfie on the cliff. Amazing arm reach.
Hi! I’m friends with Jessie. Awesome pictures, awesome trip! I’m jealous! I hope you’re having a great time.
Amazing! Great camera work. The views came across beautifully.
wow thats so cool i would have said trips over im turning around
Amazing! Now I’m jealous. I’m going g to start training for this, except I’m afraid I’ll drop my cocktail when I workout;). Thanks for the ND card. You guys are awesome on oh so many levels! Have a great anniversary! Nazdroviya!!
Happy Anniversary you two! Enjoy your special day! What fantastic vistas and trail scenery. Thanks for sharing this with us so frequently!
I think that tiny trail on the rock ledge may have been the one that Bill Bryson & Stephen Katz hiked in a blinding snowstorm in April (I think) in “A Walk in the Woods”. I also think
that was about the time they decided to give up their attempt at a “thru hike!” (They probably
didn’t have all the great views you guys did!)
What an unbelievable way to celebrate your anniversary — don’t think you guys are going to
need any “Renewal Vows!” Awesome indeed!