The Views at McAfee Knob

McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail.  We'd visited once before, but an ankle sprain (not mine for once!) caused us to have to turn around immediately after reaching the knob.  I'd been itching to return to photograph the knob at sunrise and sunset.  It was a beautiful day, warm and clear, perfect for hiking.  Not so perfect for interesting photographs.  Regardless, we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset.

After dinner, as Forrest built a campfire, I hiked back up to the knob to get a look at the stars.  The clear night offered spectacular views of the night sky.

In the early morning hours, well before sunrise, we began to hear other hikers on the trail.  When we finally roused ourselves for sunrise, we found the knob covered in students from nearby colleges, their parties spilling over into sunrise.  The morning was beautiful, despite the somewhat unexpected addition of keg parties.