Hiking on McAfee Knob

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It is almost the end of November and hopefully in one month, the year 2020 will be part of history. Indeed, a year of unforeseen uncertainty. However, perhaps even in this unprecedented time, the concept of self improvement is an area worth mentioning. At every stage of our life’s existence, it is essential for everyone to improve daily and yearly. It is certainly important to hold on to our core values, but in order to attain more purpose and a bigger perspective in life, on a daily and yearly basis, every one must learn newer tasks. Personally, going hiking at McAfee Knob in Virginia was quite an adventure that opened my eyes about the beauty in life and the splendor of mother nature!!

The day started around 7:30am and one of my friends, who is an experienced hiker, was my guide. McAfee Knob is one of the great hiking attractions along the Appalachian trail located in Virginia and sits at an elevation of 3197 feet above sea level and an 8 miles roundtrip. After parking our car, we started our two hours ascent. Within the first hour, I could feel the tension and strain in my thigh and foot muscles. Interestingly, for the first time in a while, I was using muscles that had laid dormant for many months. By the time we had spent 1 hour and 15 minutes hiking, I could feel my heart beating faster but in a good way. Although I was getting tired, I was amazed to behold the beauty of my surrounding and experienced a quiet, peaceful intense feeling and had more appreciation for life. The four hours hiking spent at McAfee Knob was a good escape from the cares of this world! It was a place of perfect peace!!

In approximately 1:45 minutes, we arrived at the summit of McAfee Knob!! It was a magnificent and beautiful site to see the valley below us and honestly, it reminded me of an awesome God that we serve!! The view was just splendid, and a few other hikers were also enjoying the moment and the amazing and spectacular aerial view at the top of McAfee Knob. As I got close to the Knob, which is the uttermost edge of the cliff, I was reminded by myself not to get too close to the edge because my wife and two children expected me to stay alive to tell them about my adventure as soon I got home.

The hiking trip to McAfee Knob was a great adventure for me and a bigger lesson at the same time. I learned to try safer and newer adventures in my life in order to truly appreciate the essence of life and bank on other perspectives. I understood the importance of having a friend. Life can be tough, but it is always better to tackle life’s obstacles if you have a good friend along your side. On a higher level, this friend can also be God. Furthermore, I became aware that I must enjoy each step in the paths of life in order to one day fully appreciate and reap the reward of reaching my destination. At the summit of McAfee Knob, I was so happy and felt on top of this world!! After spending approximately 25 minutes at the top, it was time to make our two hours descent down McAfee Knob and head back home. A part of me did not want to leave McAfee Knob simply because of the peace and love I was experiencing, but the other part of me knew that life’s responsibilities were waiting down there for me. But unlike other times, the trip to McAfee Knob created a beautiful memory that allowed me to appreciate the beautiful nature around us and I for once was happier that I was a participant and not a mere spectator in life.

From Kofi Amo-Mensah, Medical Doctor.