Date: 2010-04-29
From: Damascus, Va

To: Va 600 / Elk Garden
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 54I hiked today. Sound the trumpets and alert the media. But for any of you Appalachian Trail purist out there who haven't washed their hands of me yet, today you might want to get the soap ready. The final 11 miles I took the blue blazed Virginia Creeper trail. The hike along the creek was enchanting. The water tumbled powerfully over the rocks and the trees fresh with new greenery hugged the path. This was an old railroad bed and has been converted to a bike trail. The grade fell gently downhill all the way to Damascus. OK I admit that was a big selling point for blue-blazing. On the otherhand I can walk up and down mountains every day, but how often do I get to walk next to the serenity of a mountain creek, crossing over it a dozens of times on wooden bridges as cyclist way to fat for the bikes they were on cruised past on their downhill run. OK the last part wasn't serene but it amused me to think what they would look like trying to peddle up the hill.Another nice part of the Creeper trail was the Cafe located halfway to Damascus. I enjoyed a large BBQ sandwich, French fries, Cole slaw and 2 mountain dews. The AT could use a few more cafes. I suppose since I started this entry midday I'll finish up the hike now then start from the beginning afterwards. So a couple miles after the Cafe I found a bunch of thrus I'd been hiking on and off with camping alongside the trail. The path up to their campsite was just past their tents and I was heading for it but since I was pretty tired I didn't wave or even look over at them. I just wanted to get to the path. A couple of them called my name but I didn't respond immediately then they were all calling me like they thought I was wearing headphones. Finally I turned up the path and tiredly called out "I hear you, I hear you." It was semi humorous. I sat there for a very long time next to the fire chatting with them until almost 6 pm. I still had 4 miles to go so I had to pull myself away.The last 2 miles seemed to last forever. My knee hurt, my shin was hurting, my feet was hurting. It was after 7 when I finally reached Dots, the first place open in Damascus. I popped in for a beer to wash away the days dust. Afterwards I dropped by The Place to see who was new in town. I was happy to find Qtip and Trinket in town. It was good catching up with them. Then I went to resupply, took a shower and went to bed.The day started with Amanda driving Fredo Tintin Tornado and I out to the trailhead at Elk Garden. The rest took off at breakneck speed because Tintin wanted to be back by 3 to watch a soccer game. He made it in time but it wasn't on television. Ironic? Or just funny as hell. I went much slower, probably 2 1/2 miles an hour on the uphill and 3 on the flats and downhills. There were a few nice views but the snow from a few nights before had already melted. The highlight of the trail prior to the Creeper Trail was a cooler full of beers, cokes and fruits.   I was told about it at a shelter by Archiellies and Scattracker. It was more than a mile away and northbounders were coming on fast. Luckily there was still a few beers left when I got there. The little things in life give such pleasure. So that's it for the day. Good night and sweet dreams to all of you out there not living the Cafe Eating Creeper Trail Walking Dream.