#124 Four Pines Hostel to Lamberts Meadow Shelter Day 58: ATMM 704.6 – ATMM 720.9
The trail provides in ways we can’t imagine.
4/28/22
Sipping real coffee at a real table while writing in my journal – priceless.
Hikers mill around the hostel. Some are eating breakfast and others are preparing for their hike.
ChrisCross America, a long distance cyclist, stayed here last night. He and I trade stories until we hit the bottoms of our coffee mugs. Bicycle touring is a little like backpacking in that you carry camping gear, travel long distances, and every now and then you stop at a hostel or hotel. He is currently traveling across the country by bicycle.
I move outside to heat up water for my own breakfast and talk with other hikers. Everyone is excited about having such a beautiful day to climb up to McAffee Knob and Tinker Cliffs
Several hours after leaving the Four Pines Hostel, I step off the trail onto the same parking lot where Hurley, Problem Child, Second Breakfast, Mosey, and I parked several years ago before climbing up to camp over night. Memories from that trip flood back to me when I reach the sign that reads: To McAfee Knob 3.9 Miles.
Stopping for a break at Catawba Mountain Shelter, I sit in the shade to fuel up with a tortilla, tuna, and propel. The trail goes steeply up and doesn’t level out until reaching the top.
The wind stiffens on top of the mountain. The sweat accumulated from hiking in the sun with no breeze quickly chills me quickly once I’m exposed to the cool breeze. I drop my pack to put on my wind breaker and immediately feel better.