Date: 2003-05-18
From: Damascus, Virgina

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"Trail Days" is over. What to make of it all?Probably about 1,000-1,500 people - hikers, past hikers, AT hoboes, ne'er do wells, Trail Angels, suppliers, and relatives of all of the above - poured into this little town. Most went to the large campsite outside town. The wilder elements were directed to the left side of the area, referred to as 'Ground Zero'. Those wanting a quieter time, like me, went to 'Mellow Cove' down by the river. But even here on Friday night people were drinking, smoking stuff, yahooing, and tripping over guy-lines until five in the morning. The police were in evidence and some arrests were made. Lying awake in my tent on Saturday morning, I heard an outraged woman nearby complaining, " We wasn't doin' nuthin'. We jest went up to see what was happenin', an' they jest grabbed him. He spent a night in a cell fer doin' nuthin'!" I think he did something. From the sound of her voice, I'd have arrested her too.All the same, when we were in Damascus a few days ago, the police had been at 'The Place' as well. They took away a young man on suspicion of armed robbery in Florida. As he was being stuffed into the back of the police car, he was heard pleading, "But can I still come back for Trail Days?"Yesterday, I was down at 'The Place' visiting 'Thistle' when a bunk freed up in her dorm, so I grabbed it. The day was spent moving my stuff down, eating and talking to people. You can't walk down a street without bumping into a familiar face or hearing your name called. I'm not this well known in my own home town. Conversations usually include the question, "Where are you now?". The answer to this is not,"Standing here in front of you talking to you.", but will be something like,"Thirty miles south of here" or "In Waynesboro'".The highlight yesterday was the traditional hikers' parade. Fronted by a small pipe band, a line of sherriffs in full uniform with rifles, and the 'Appalachian Trail Queen' in a convertible (she happened to be the pretty young girl who served us dinner in The Old Barn the night before), hikers past and present marched through town. Some were in fancy dress. Others, like 'Snack Attack', were armed to the teeth with water-filled balloons.Turning into Laurel Avenue, where most bystanders were positioned, the Baptist and Methodist churches were passed respectfully without incident. Then the fun started. The local youngsters let fly with fearsome-looking water guns and battle commenced. It was tremendous fun, enjoyed by all, and finished in the public park over the river.Today, Sunday, has mostly been spent in the public park where most of the leading outfitters and other vendors have set up their stalls. The Foot Clinic was one of the most popular. Appointments could be made to examine feet and footwear and I've been surprised at the large number of hikers who are replacing their boots at this stage. Other leading events have been the Talent Contest and the Best Home-made Gear Contest. There are numerous foodstalls selling things like gator's tails, funnel cake and Amish cinnamon cake. I ate all day.Tonight both Verity and I have new bunk mates at 'The Place'. I have a friendly bear of a man called 'Monster' from Alaska. Above Verity is the spectre of doom - it's 'Sick Man' (or so I call him, I don't know his actual trail name), the fellow who passed on his virus to me back at Neels Gap two months ago. I'm pleased to see he is well, but there is an Eeyore quality about him. He told me tonight there is a sickness virus going round which has been hitting hikers since Erwin. I have my eye on him![tbc]