Date: 2015-04-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: USFS 89, near Whitetop Rd.
Miles today: 22.0

Today was a great day for hiking. It started off cool, but the glorious sun came out and stayed out! Perfect conditions.I lingered in town long enough to have another good, dark coffee. It was so worth it. Inside, I chatted with Lee from Hikers Inn and DrJohn, a fellow hiker. Two great people. Lee is just wonderful and couldn't be kinder. DrJohn is the coolest geologist I've ever met. Hikes, dives, bikes, you name it--he's done it! He is even heading out to do the CDT this month.I parted ways with the good people and walked back onto the AT. All of my attention switched from the social interactions of town to monitoring my sore leg/knee. I think the root cause of my pain was my muscle, but my knee took some abuse from the strained muscle. Therefore, I think my knee pain was just an effect of the muscle strain. I planned to go easy and to stretch it every hour or so.I think I may have actually accomplished that!! It is still stiff and sore, but not as bad as it was. I will know a lot more about its status after a series of full hiking days on my leg. I will just be as careful as I can.Today was a bizarre day of familiar faces. First, there was Rambler. He was section hiking and walked up from the south. As he approached, he asked my name. He said his was Rambler. I swear the guy sounded super familiar, but I did not immediately recognize him.    I said "I know a Rambler from the CDT."    He said, "yeah, that's me!"I couldn't believe it!! It was Rambler from my CDT hike!! I first met Rambler in Chama, NM and then near Salida, CO. We exchanged updates and excitedly chatted. Crazy to see someone you know from so far away... In the woods.The second set of familiar faces was when I pulled up at a shelter to see who was there. I initially spotted Cinderella, who had also stayed at the Hikers Inn in Damascus. My second notice was a couple sitting at the picnic table that was section hiking. They names were MuleSkinner and Woodrows. I kept saying that I swear we have met...I knew their faces...Then it registered. This was the couple that HuckFinn and I passed in Idaho on this 27 mile waterless stretch in broiling heat. He was a real Chatty Kathy and Woodrows had little patience for it! We met them as they went southbound and we went to go into Darby, ID. Small world. It was even crazier that I recognized them!!Another cool guy I met today was BearBait. He has decided to do his thru hike as a flip flop--starting in Damascus NOBO, then finishing SOBO to Springer.He was a career NCIS attorney. Wow! What a bunch of crazy stories. He also told me how originally the tv show did real cases and had real NCIS staff help the authenticity.One story that he told me was a soldier from Camp Lejune who had cut the parachute cords of 8 other soldiers. They all fortunately were able to deploy their reserve chute and none got hurt.The soldier in question was charged with 8 counts of attempted murder. The reason he stated that he did it was that he felt disrespected when an officer instructed him to take out the trash. He was found guilty and got 64 years. BearBait was very proud of bringing him to justice!Back to the trail. There were a few section hikers out today. Kind of surprising as it is a week day. It did not realize how popular this area was for section hiking and biking.The trail was well laid and made its climbs and descents fairly evenly. My knee appreciated that! There were also sections of pine forest. They smelled so good. Hot pine on a sunny day... (While I walk through the cool shadows).. Very nice.I know just how special this deciduous forest is, but there is something inexplicably soothing and enjoyable as soft pine needles, ample shade, and the intoxicating fragrance.Water was available all day. That helped my pack weight keep down a bit. (Especially since this is the first day since resupply. More food, but less water!)There were some gorgeous views of the rolling valleys and of interesting rock formations and boulders. I walked until 6pm and found a nice wooded spot to camp. I really wanted to be cautious with my knee, so this is good. 22 miles and now it's time for dinner!!!I really need to give a big shout of thanks to Diane A.!!! Thanks you so much!!! Diane is helping me get my maps sorted for the IAT!!! Huge help!!! You rock!Well, the remaining sunlight faded into oblivion, but the moon has risen to give some light. By the looks of it, it's time for bed!