Date: 2003-04-22
From: Campsite Past Abbington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Day 40 Avg Mls/Day 11.5Weather: Clouds moved in over night. Cool and mostly cloudy most of the day. High in upper 50's.D A M A S C U S ! Here I am at one of the psychological milestones of the Trail. They say more than half of those that begin the Trail with the intention to thru-hike to Maine never make it this far. And, less than half of us that make it to Damascus will reach Katahdin. Damascus is called "the friendiest town on the Trail" and the home of the Trail Days festival (May 10-18).I went back to sleep after waking up at 4 this morning. Re-awoke at 7 and it looked overcast. Finally got up enough gumption to get out of my warm sleeping bag and break camp. My first night of "stealth camping" went fine. Only problem was the bear bag line got hung up and I had to cut it. The Trail was an easy gradual decline into Damascus..the 7+ miles took about 2 hours.   I stopped first at the outfitter where I bought a new pair of light weight shorts and a triple A battery. Walked through town and had breakfast at Cowboy's. I then checked in at the most luxurious motel/hotel so far...the Damascus Old Mill Inn.   Although the rooms are $59, it is worth every penny. It is a newer place with well equipped spacious rooms. Other hikers are staying here; saw Eli in the hall and met Smoothie and Fly By Night who were on their way back to the Trail. It is the first time I've seen a bar of soap bigger than a postage stamp since I left home.   A comfortable, quilted king size bed, stuffed swivel chair, coffee table & 2 chairs, cable TV with hundreds of channels, real glass drinking glasses, thick fluffy towels, all in a room overlooking the rushing river and waterfall. I'm taking at least one zero and hoping for bad weather on Thursday so I have an excuse to stay another day.   The manager is great...let me use the washer and dryer. Took a shower; then ran a hot tub in which I soaked forever. It's almost dinner time and I haven't left my room yet..except to get some ice and a soft drink. Sent Julia and Richard Weed an email with my phone number.   They both called, one after the other, right away, and we had a nice chats. Richard is an old friend from work with a serious mental impairment, so I try to be as nice as I can to him. I'm looking forward to a nice dinner tonight...after all I just did 3 back to back 20 mile days. I hadn't shaved since Elk Park last Friday.Since I didn't have a lot to say about the Trail today, and won't tomorrow, I thought I'd take this opportunity to comment on my gear. First, my Wanderlust Nomad Lite tent. As Funky Avocado said last year, "It rocks!" It sets up easily, using my Leki hiking poles. I like the way it folds up so compact and stores in the outside rear mesh back pocket. The design allows for air movement with little condensation.   Best of all it is light; under 2 pounds. Of course one would always like more room, but it has just enough for me and my gear.My pack, the Ultralight Equipment P-1, I also heard about from FA. It is the perfect size for my 30 - 35 pound load. The side pockets are fine for holding water and fuel containers while the optional waist belt zip pockets are perfect for handy items like camera, radio, knife, snacks, etc.   The double closure, expandable top is great. The only issue is my pack cover wrap around holds water at the bottom when it is raining and it has a tendency to soak the bottom of the pack. This can get some content in the pack wet. I'll comment on other gear in tomorrow's entry.Thought for the Day: Trail and Town - like night and day - Love both but I can't be in both places at the same time.