Date: 2006-06-02
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I focused my initial plans on getting to Damascus. I figured that if I got here, I shouldn't have much trouble finding the rest of the way. I am very happy out here on the trail. The woods are very peaceful. I've reflected on the trip so far, and the last week in particular. I twisted/sprained my ankle, which swelled up like a baseball. I was sick as a dog, with puking and the runs. But what did I do? I kept walking. Back in civilization, either of those ailments woud have gotten people out of work with doctors' notes. Not here. I just kept on smiling and walking. Black Water by the Doobie Brothers...maybe it's just one of those freaky trail coincidences, but as the song played, I was thinking that this was the first summer, since I was in my early teens, that I didn't have to work, answer a phone, wait on a customer, be somewhere to meet somebody, etc. Just as this was going through my head, the line in the song went, "I ain't got no worries, cuase I ain't in a hurry at all..." That's one of those simple little moments that makes you go, huh? Lots of hikers in town are switching out gear, lightening their loads and wallets. Of course, I can't seem to walk into an outfitter without spending $100.I bought myself a nice, lightweight, fleece lined sleep sack. It doesn't weigh much less than my current sleepipng bag, but it will be way more comfortable on hot summer nights, plus it's machine washable! That means I'll be able to rince the sweat and hiker stink out of it every couple weeks or so. While I was at Mount Rogers Outfitters, Jeff, the proprietor, mentioned there was an "all you can eat fish fry" on the outside of town. I rustled up Rhyme N Reason, Diesel and Cargo, Porkchop, and myself. We got a ride from the restaurant out there, and were served huge platters of fish , fries, and hush puppies. We gorged like fools, especially me. We had heard a rumor that Miss Janet might be in town, so we rolled up to Dots to check the scene. It was quite a bit quietr than the night before, but no Miss J. Diesel, Cargo, and I sat down, and before we finished our first beer, who should appear? Yes, Miss Janet. Hugs and smiles all around. She was heading over to the Mill restaurant and bar. There was supposed to be some live music. I walked back to my bunk, which was on the way to the next bar.I got to the bar a few minutes after they did, since they drove. I managed to Yogi myself past the door check/cover charge stand. Yeah, five bucks saved. I noticed all the rest of the group were wearing wrist bands. They all had to pay. Cool for me! Today was Memphis's 26th birthday, some of the guys had picked up a birthday cake. We sang Happy Birthday and pretty much drowned the band out. It was pretty much the same crew from last night's Dots/bridge party. Good bunch of people. Well, as much as I like zeros, it's back to hiking tomorrow. I planned my next two weeks' travels, gonna hit a few towns for quick resupply, but will hotel again until Parisburg (sp?), another 160 miles.I'll leave you tonight with a little more Glen Phillips. This is a couple of the prechoruses from his song, Duck and Cover. I find thse words very appropriate for trail life. Everybody here's got a story to tell, Everybody's been through their own hell. There's nothing too special about getting hurt, getting over it, that takes the work. And one day I stopped wanting anything at all, the heavens opened up like a waterfall. No use in worrying about when it ends. Just for now be thankful for what I get. Peace.