VIRGINIA IS FOR HIKERS

Hello from Damascus, Virginia - mile 460 on the AT and the psychological end to the hard South mountains. Got in yesterday afternoon for the start of Trail Days, or Trail Daze as I've seen it called sometimes. Trail Days is an annual 3-day gathering of former and current AT thru-hikers that overtakes Damascus every year, giving it the reputation as the friendliest Trail Town on the AT. Most hikers are staying at the Tent City, a nearly-free campsite a quarter mile out of town, but your favorite hiker has been lucky enough to score rooms from a few residents who are renting out space in their houses. Last night I was at the Hiker Hotel, and tonight I'm at the Dancing Bear. Beats sleeping in the rain, surrounded by the noise of thousands of partying hikers.

Sorry I haven't written anything for a while - there was no internet access between Erwin and here. Since Erwin, the trip has been pleasant with great weather, somewhat easier terrain, and lots of socialization. I've dubbed this section the "Salad Days". I had to slow down a bit too, to prevent myself from getting here too early, which made for lots of easy low-mileage days. Had some great meals at a few hostels along the way, and quite a raucous party broke out at Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Mtn Highlands. The shelter is an old barn near a road and a trail crew made of Appalachian State University students brought up a keg, some moonshine, and lots of hamburgers and hot dogs. Unfortunately, the weather turned foul as the party went on and by 11pm, a full 40mph wind and driving rain was blowing everyone around. My tent blew over, even with all my gear inside, and if it weren't for the heoric actions of Johnny Thunder - he pegged it down with my hiking poles - it might of been lost. Unfortunately, the head of the ASU students lost his tent completely. It blew away never to be seen again. Hiked out the next morning in the same weather, over miles of treeless balds - quite an experience.

Damascus has been on everyone's mind for weeks now. Trail Days is fun, lots of cool stuff going on - talks, slide shows, retailers, free food, drinking, etc.

Oops, my time is up - will finish this later.