Date: 2018-04-23
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Damascus, VA (Lazy Fox B&B)
Miles today: 7.4

Day 48Note from Mary: Today we think we actually did around 8 miles. However, since we are not sure where the miles in AWOL are messed up, I put in 7.4 miles to get us to show 469.9 at Laurel and Shady in Damascus... Sprinkled a little during the night, but we were up early in a little lull to pack up in the dark. Had a miserable night as we both were so sweaty and slimy from the last days hiking that it was difficult to get comfortable in a clammy sleeping bag. We have to remember to try to clean up better after long, hot hiking days so we can sleep better. It's been tough to wash up good as it has been too cold by the time we get in to camp.First out of camp with thoughts of beating the heavy rain into town. We soon crossed the TN/VA border so 3 states down and 11 to go. We will be in Virginia for some time though as it makes up around 1/4 of the trail. The 3 Amigos caught up to us just before town. As we started the final switchbacks into town it started to really rain. As we neared town Mary started complaining that the top of her left foot hurt and she must have her shoe tied too tight. She loosened it, but the pain worsened and she ended up limping into town. We wanted to eat at MOJO's, but it was raining so bad that we didn't want to walk clear across town. We checked with the outfitter for another breakfast place and he said the Damascus Diner had just opened today and it was around the corner. He had breakfast there and said it was quite good. We quickly made our way to the restaurant and got a table. Already there ready to order were Kingsman and Papa Dale. Tabasco had already headed to MOJO's not realizing there was a new diner.After an amazing breakfast (except no hot tea, but it is their first day and they brought me a cup of hot water to put my own tea bag in at no charge.) we headed out to locate the Lazy Fox Inn. Ginny, the 93 year old woman who runs the Inn was not there. Not knowing for sure which room was ours, we set our stuff on the front porch. Jo and Two were at the Inn and gave us some information regarding our stay. Mary stayed on the porch to rest her foot and I headed out to find out about getting our laundry done as there is no longer a laundromat in town. I purchased some white vinegar and dye/scent free laundry pods. Crazy Larry at the local hostel said he'd do the laundry and the cost would be based on the load size and estimated probably around $9. I gave him the vinegar and pods and told him he could keep the rest of the pods (I kept a few to pack out for future laundry). He said he's had other hikers ask for laundry detergent for sensitive skin, so he might have to look into getting more for the future as well. When I came back later to get the laundry he only charged me $5 since I had given him the pods. Also picked up our package my sister sent from home with our lighter sleeping bags and my trail runners that I've used hiking at home.Mary had dried out the tent fly while I was dropping off the laundry. I also managed to get the tip of one of her poles replaced after checking with the local outfitters, each twice. Ginny still wasn't back, but Mary went up to the shared bathroom to get a shower and eventually we put our stuff in the only downstairs room (she had told us we were downstairs). I got a shower so we could get ready for dinner.We had thought about going to the Old Mill for dinner, but it was closed. So, we decided we would go back to the diner. Kingsman suggested getting a beer at MOJO's first (they close at 5 pm), so we headed there with him, Papa Dale, & Tabasco. There were a couple beers at MOJO's that peaked our interest, Mary selected a Stout and I picked out an IPA. At the diner Mary enjoyed a Santa Fe Salad and I had a delicious Philly Cheese Steak.Back at the room we organized our resupply and got our package ready to send home. We are sending home our "winter" sleeping bags, base layers, and a few other items we don't think we will need. Off to bed...Note from Mary: Forgot to mention that somewhere near Spring Mountain Shelter there is a mouse, chipmunk or other small animal that has a nice purple lined nest. I had a pack towel that I would air out on my trekking pole. Usually I just left it on the pole over night. One night I hung it in the vestibule, in the morning the little snap loop was hanging there with no towel. I shined my light outside and the towel was on the ground. I picked it up and it was full of holes.