Date: 2013-05-17
From: Switchback Creek Campground

To: Damascus, VA - for trail days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 6:30 to pack up our gear. The owner of our campsite had agreed to take us back to the trail at 8:00 so we'd be there when Miss Janet came to shuttle us to Damascus, VA for Trail Days. As we waited by the roadside thought we'd hang our wet tent parts on the wooden fencing to dry. One minute later a car pulled up and asked us if we were looking for a ride to Trail Days. Grabbed all the wet tent parts and stuffed them back in their bags, jumped in the car, called Miss Janet back to let her know we had found a ride, and off we went. Had a guided tour on the way.It cost $5 a person to camp for the whole weekend. Side had gotten a text from Cynical Indian about where he and the boys had set up their tent. We set up our tent nearby and then headed off for the walk to town to enjoy the festivities.First stop was at The First Baptist Church for the foot clinic. They bathed your feet in warm water, then they massaged from your knees down rubbing in oodles of lotion, then you moved to the medical tent where they looked at any foot problems you had and tried to help. The advice for Miles' seven seed corns on the pad of her foot was to see a podiatrist. Not too handy. They did give her a prescription for 800 mg Motrin to help with the pain. For Side's bunion they suggested rubbing with Vaseline and leaving it unbandaged. Hope that will work. They also did a basic skin cancer screening, blood pressure check (Miles wins for once), and tetanus booster. Side got weighed and lost 31 pounds. And they were passing out pb & j sandwiches. This was all done for us for free.We met Cynical Indian and family for lunch. Went to the outfitter to pick up our bounce box and the package from Bekki (thank you so much girlie). Went to the park to see what gear vendors were set up. Tried out the hammocks. Might have to get them for the summer part of our trip. Selling them half price here.Headed over to the building where a church group was doing free haircuts and free sewing repairs. Side got a much needed haircut and beard trim. Miles got a trim. Had the seamstress fix a tear in Side's sleeping bag liner and in the two end covers for our tent stakes.Next we headed to the church group providing free laundry service and free showers. They have a huge trailer housing washing machines, dryers and showers. You left your laundry in a basket and they did it for you. There were two showers which they cleaned before each person and provided towels and washcloths. How unbelievable.Visited the gear vendors set up near tent city. Side has to visit tomorrow to have them fix a couple little problems on his pack and to look at his food bag which has some annoying thread fibers.Sat waiting for the free trolley into town to have dinner with Cynical Indian and family and meet the Mom. A gentleman, Steve, sat down and started to talk to us (his wife was playing in the band) and after about a half hour when the trolley hadn't come, he offered to drive us into town. Had dinner with Story, Mammoth, and Dr Who in addition to the family. Since it was raining, Cynical offered to drive us back to tent city. Now that was three rides that came to us today.Stopped in to catch the last few songs the band performed. Met Steve's wife and chatted with them for quite a while.What a day of unexpected and amazing blessings. We were so grateful for every kindness we received.Tucked in our tents but probably won't be sleeping much. The crazy young 'uns are walking around and screeching.