This photo is what it looks like at a shelter in the morning. People packing up their gear and cooking breakfast. Everyone usually starts moving around at about 6:45ish. This morning everyone was moving pretty quickly because it was chilly and we only had 10 easy miles in to Damascus.
I was on the trail by 8 and soon passed the Tennessee / Virginia state line. Three states officially done!! 25% of the trail is in Virginia, so I'm going to be here for awhile.
It's hard to see, but below is a photo of Damascus from the woods above. It's a pretty exciting feeling when you are heading in to a town and it comes in to view. Definitely start walking a little more quickly!
Damascus is a small town but a big part of the AT. The trail enters town right through a city park and continues down The Main Street. They welcome hikers and it's not unusual to see dirty, stinky hikers sitting around on street corners with their gear drinking cokes right when they get to town. (First stop for me... Dollar General for a diet coke) Dollar General is in every trail town and this one was right next to a church. Seems a little battle is brewing between the two.
I am treating myself here in Damascus and staying at a nice B and B. There are a bunch if hikers here so we all met for dinner and beers at the Blue Blaze Cafe. Fun to see everyone off the trail and relaxing!
There was craft paper and markers on the table and everyone was doodling all night. A guy named Keltic(from Scotland)
Wrote this quote and I thought it was pretty cool. Bed time and a zero here in Damascus tomorrow!
Praying for Dollar General beer license
ReplyDeleteI knew I could count on you :)
DeleteYour Scot hiker is up to date on his quote from Thoreau. Keep up the fine messages and photos as it gives one the feeling of hiking right along with you. Sam
ReplyDeleteThanks Sam! This is an amazing experience.
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