Date: 2015-05-14
From: 568.0 campsite, VA

To: Laurel Creek, VA
Miles today: 14.3

After spending the past 3 combined days in Damascus, VA for the 29th annual Trail Days festival, I will be briefly summarizing that period of time with far fewer words than what is deserved as I catch up on my journals over the next few days. I'm currently on my 48th day so I will be sure to make note once entries are current.I woke with Rock Boat at 6:30am to a beautiful sunrise, bringing us warmth after a chilly, windy evening. I slept comfortably snug cowboy style in my sleeping bag despite waking to a mouse running across my head at 4:30am. We were quickly packed and on the trail within the hour. The first half of the morning was spent cursing the trail builders of Virginia while climbingmup and down countless ridge summits offering no views. Skirting the summits would've been far easier, both physically and mentally, knowing we weren't being led up another viewless incline. Rock Boat made a comment regarding being able to see why hikers quit in Virginia; I had to agree.We eventually caught up with China Rock who we had gotten to know a little over the past several days. With her hiking pace more similar to mine, Rock Boat could see me nipping at the bit. He stepped aside and I was off and would see him a couple of hours later. Keeping pace with China Rock, staying within 50ft of her, the next few miles passed in a blur along the rocky trail snaking its way along the ridge.The day's only real climb came just after Jenkins Shelter and a creek running nearby where I stopped to dance a little to the music I had playing. Not being known for my dancing, I did so in the privacy of a few birds and tadpoles. After the climb which raised ~500ft in half a mile, the second half of the morning was spent leisurely crossing another ridge before descenting into Laurel Creek. Trail magic waited just before reaching the creek in the form of a cooler containing several Coke's. China Rock, a couple of other hikers, and I each grabbed a Coke and carried them to the creek before enjoying them. Since this was the location of our pick-up point to Damascus and I had covered ~14 miles by noon, the next few hours would be spent creek bathing, washing clothes, and sunbathing. Rock Boat would catch up during this time and, with plans to meet Mrs. Rock Boat in a couple of days, would continue on. We eventually plan to meet back up, but only once the trail dictates that the time is right.Moosehead and Hobble eventually caught up and, through a series of misunderstandings, we'd have to wait nearly 2 hours past our planned rendezvous time for Hobble's dad, Buckey, to save the day again. Driving close to 2 hours simply to return us to Damascus, Buckey really helped us out again. We stopped by McDonald's on the way and we 3, along with another hikers Snail, who joined, enjoyed our heart attack-inducing share of food.We rolled into Damascus at 6:30pm along with a 5th hiker we stopped to pick up along the way. Feeling bad that he had to bump along in the covered bed of the truck for several miles, I gave him one of my extra Big Mac's. Pulling into "Tent City," a large open field and connecting woods situated a mile from the town center, we thanked and parted ways with Buckey (top kind once again, sir), purchased our $5 Tent City wristbands, found an empty area to set up shop, and then met up with 4 of Hobble's hometown friends who drove up to visit. The next several hours were spent drinking beer, listening to music, enjoying conversation, and snacking on delicious homemade taco dip and a variety of fruit provided by Whitney, Rachel, Ricki, and Andrea. They were a pleasure to get to know; we thank you for the support. After they left at 10:00pm, the 3 of us ventured into the nearby woods where we discovered the real party was. Through a vast maze of path-lined woods dotted with individual tents and clusters forming camps, we made our way though the smoke-covered corridors, decorated every few feet with lights, handmade signs, flags, banners, and other unique materials informing hikers of which territory they were entering. Camps consisted of clusters of tents, mainly those of former thru-hikers who return each year to party and let loose in a mainly-accepted manner over the 3-day period. City cops are constantly present, but aren't out to ruin the experience, save the ones who abuse the given leniency.We made our way to a large clearing in the woods reserved for a large bonfire each night where hundreds of former and current thru-hikers alike would come to find their own unique slice of peace over the next few evenings. The next few hours of our first night, however, would bring good conversation, unique visuals and sounds, the reuniting of old trail friends (Tick Tock, Star Crunch, Goose, Spice, and Cap), meeting many new former and current hikers, and plenty of cold beer. The first night would conclude by stumbling back to our tents just before 2:00am and falling into a deep sleep, knowing an exciting weekend awaited.Here's to naps along sun-drenched creeks, homemade taco dip, and the calm before a storm.