Date: 2008-04-02
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: The Place, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

We woke up at 7a to prepare for our 10 mile climb down to Damascus. We, including Yeti, ate breakfast and by 8a, Fester was on the trail...Toddy Bear followed and Stovie and I left by 8:15a. Well, the Thru-Hiker's Companion said the trail would all be flat, but as always, there were some ups in there too. Eventually, we passed a sign welcoming us to the Mount Rogers NRA, which meant we were officially in VA!!!! We stopped for some photos and then pressed on towards Damascus. Well, by 10:45a, we reached the "archway" into Damascus and stopped for some more photos. After this monumental moment, Stovie, Toddy Bear and I headed to the Post Office to see if we could find Fester. When we arrived, we saw him sitting underneath a tree with 3 packages from home and he said, "It's Christmas in Damascus!" The boys all got their packages and then we headed to The Place. It's a quaint place with 3 bathrooms, 2 showers and 34 beds. Just as we stepped in to the Hostel, we were greeted by Roundhorse and Brandon. After spending some time chatting, Team Deutschmark dropped off their stuff and then headed to Sicily's Pizza for some food. This restaurant is pretty nice...I got a "wicked" Veggie Calzone and salad with water and it was well worth the wait. Also, I thought it was funny that the restaurant, which implies Italian, was run by a Middle Eastern gentleman..!After eating, we headed to Mount Roger¢s Outfitters because Toddy Bear was gonna try and see if they would replace his shoes under warranty. Unfortunately, they weren¢t, but the owner called Montrail about the tear along one of my seams and he replaced my boots with no questions asked. He simply hung up the phone and said, ¢You see those boots there? Go pick out your size and give me the box when you¢re done.¢ Now that¢s what I call a warranty and great service!!!!!!!!!! We walked back to the Place and then opted to go to Dott¢s for some food and drinks. While we were eating, Lonewolf, the one from whiteblaze, came in. Well, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were on and I tried to match wits with him, but he¢s really good at Wheel of Fortune and I at Jeopardy. I walked back alone, because I got caught up in the game, and bought a pint of Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. When I arrived at the common room at the hostel, I was surprised to be greeted by Other Jake, Leprechaun Kelly, Dropkick, Root, Jax the Mummy Conductor, and Pough of the Here Here Gang!!! Also, Crazy Horse, Pachyderm, and Alex Tempka (Rat Sandwich) are here¢¦the other members of the Here Here Gang are eating/drinking at Dots. Then, I made a grocery list for the morning and looked over my gear. While I was doing this, I remembered a song Fester sang earlier¢¦It involves kissing a girl (Team Deutschmark should know what I¢m talking about)!!! Also, Stovie told us about being accused of ¢stealthing¢ Roundhorse and Brandon. So, in typical Team Deutschmark style, we¢ve been talking about it and adding to the ridiculousness of it. For example, Stovie came up with the perfect way to increase your mileage¢¦Install a catheter and colostomy bag so that you¢ll never have to stop and use the bathroom!!! Oh! Bunz and Roses sent me a text today saying they¢ll be in town tomorrow¢¦I can¢t wait to see them. Also, I heard the Red Ranger pulled in tonight. It¢s 9:00p and I¢m tired!!!