Date: 2004-05-15
From: Damascus Trail Days - Zero Day

To: Damascus Trail Days - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day #62 ¢ From Lady Kritter¢s PerspectiveToday was Krispy¢s hiker errand day since AWOL and I were returning home tomorrow. We had to pack up and resupply. He needed to catch up on a week¢s worth of journaling. I left him with AWOL and took off with list in hand to save some time. As I left, I overheard AWOL asking Krispy ¢Are you surprised at how little you really need to get by with?¢ (I made a mental note to clean out my closets when I get home.)I found a watch that attaches to a 'beener and bought it for Krispy¢s birthday present. He lost his watch on the trail a week ago.   I gave him his presents, including the watch, since we wouldn¢t be together to celebrate and then we were off to Damascus again.We arrived within minutes of the parade starting. The highlight for the hikers is joining the parade and the ensuing water balloon / water cannon battles all the way down main street. A few of the hikers were even costumed. I opted to take pictures from BEHIND the three sheriff officers to keep my camera dry. That option didn¢t last long ¢¦ It turned into mass chaos being chased with squirt guns and splatted with airborne water balloons. The locals even got involved lining the sidewalks in anticipation with bags of water balloons and anything that squirted water. The fire truck was even hosing people down as they drove by, ducking from retaliation of the masses. It was great fun for all and welcomed break from the heat.We spent a few more hours at Tent City for Backpacker¢s home-made equipment contest. KrispyKritter entered his tent, and several other pieces of equipment. Several other hikers showed their innovative ideas as well. A young hiker who was insulin dependent displayed a device made for him out of aluminum that fit into a nalgene bottle keeping his insulin cool so he could thru-hike the Trail.We made our last rounds to say goodbye to everyone. The three of us decided we should probably return to the hotel before the heavy partying got underway. Tonight would be big blow out celebration for most before embarking on the trail tomorrow ¢¦In summary: I¢ve been caught up in the camaraderie and good humor shared by all. I¢ve been awestruck by the injuries that many of these hikers aloofly overlook in their quest for Katahdin. I¢ve learned the difference between goals and obsession. I¢ve learned the sheer strength of hope, endurance and determination through these wonderful new friends. I¢ve learned that a copious quantity of beer is considered medicinal. I¢ve experienced just a little of what it is like to be a part of a nomadic family and I am grateful to all the hikers I¢ve met that readily included me as a part of it. They are each very special - and each just a little bit crazy. I can now understand the allure ¢ it¢s not just the quest for completion. It¢s an unspoken understanding and passion for the challenge, it¢s a freedom, it¢s social, and it¢s invigorating. It¢s woven together by people who love life and grab it by the ¢¦ throat. It meshes an eclectic group of individuals who might never otherwise mix and creates a whole new culture. I saw a hiker wearing a t-shirt that seems to put it concisely. It read: "Two paths diverged in the woods. I took the one with the white blazes and that made all the difference. If you have to ask, you¢ll never know." With that, I must say I'm not trying to romanticize the Trail. It's a really tough go and these hikers have my ultimate respect.Now that I¢ve returned home, I¢ve put away my Lady Kritter hiking shoes and once again become Trail Widow and support staff for KrispyKritter and his on-going saga of the Trail. A part of me wants to join him, another part appreciates my bed, and the most important part of me understands ¢¦