McAfee Knob

This is G.G. enjoying the view from McAfee Knob. This is a heavily visited attraction, so we were fortunate to be there during the early morning when it wasn't crowded yet. Shortly after, we were on the beautiful Tinker Cliffs. The boulders around here are amazing.

I keep thinking back to a sign that Many Sleeps (the ridgerunner back at Springer Mountain, GA) had. It said, "If you're lucky enough to be on the trail, you're lucky enough." We're so blessed to be out here seeing such wonderful scenery, sweating, laughing, and sometimes limping together!

Some things that have surprised me on the trqil are:

-How normal it is now to sit around a picnic table eating dinner with hikers from all over the country. It's also funny how the conversation often turns to comparing shelters (and especially privys) along the trail.

-All the wildlife out here. We recently spotted a groundhog, snakes, lizards, turtles, and more coyotes. Our friend, Magic Horse, just saw his 7th bear! We still haven't seen any yet.

-How often G.G. says stuff like, "Look at my goosebumps!" or "It's cold." It took losing 25+ pounds but the man now realizes that it's cold in the mountains. Welcome to my world, Bud!

-How many amazing types of wildflowers there are. We've almost filled two memory cards with photos.

Thanks for reading, and we wish our best to those hiker friends who had to get off the trail for one reason or another. You're with us in spirit, and you inspire us. We hope to be bringing you trail magic in '08!

Love,
Rhodo

Happy Trails