Date: 2014-05-16
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The motel we stayed had at had a free breakfast. Yay waffles! I also ran into Lil Bit and Oregon who were also staying at the same place.We drove back into Damascus and went to the One Way Ministries building. These folks offer a variety of services during Trail Days for hikers. I was instantly welcomed and greeted with warmth. My first stop was to see a physician. I explained my toe issues and he examined my feet. He gave me a little bandage with a gel disk to try and keep the toes separated. I received a guest book suggestion to look for toe socks - and I am also trying to get those too.An older man with a bright beaming smile named Salty Dog called me over to his foot wash station. He bathed my feet and explained the biblical significance of the service. His energy was infectious and I was instantly put into a happy mood. After my feet were clean, I went over to the massage section for a relaxing rub down. There was a lot of 'oooh' and 'ahhh' going on in that area!Outside, my turn came up for my haircut. I got a quick bang trim to get the hair out of my eyes. Some hikers suggested I get a Mohawk. Haha so not happening!After leaving the One Way Ministries area, we went to the ALDHA reception at the Rock School. They had hearty sandwiches for the event with a video slide show and live music. I'm already a member or I would have purchased a membership.We went downtown and I had my photo taken for the Class of 2014 yearbook. There was a sign and arrow at a house inviting hikers to stop by. I am not sure what will be done with the project.I was in the mood for a hot chocolate so we walked over to Front Porch Ministries. If was nice to see some of the folks I chatted with yesterday. I introduced my family and they offered them knit hats, even though they aren't thru hiking this year. It was very kind of them!We heard that 'Hey Joes' had some drink specials on offer today. They had $1 PBR draft beers so it was a good place to quench our thirst!The cabin I rented back in January is only a few steps away from downtown. It was the river running in the back with a giant crew of geese and ducks. When we arrived the ducks started piling out if the river towards us quacking. Even the little ducklings waddled out! It was so cute. I had some stale crackers in my food bag and we gave the ducks a snack. The Canadian Geese with their babies were a bit aggressive and hissed at me when I got too close. Cheer Up, Baloo and his dog Mowgli came down to the river and the Canadian Geese went wild honking and running for the water. The ducks didn't seen too bothered my the presence of a dog.I invited Cheer Up and Baloo to our cabin to have a beer on the porch. They ended up staying for dinner. We had steaks, potatoes, asparagus and cookies. Baloo's cousin Splinter and his wife Shaker also joined us for the meal and beers. I loved that my family was into providing trail magic for strangers they had never met! We played multiple rousing games of Jenga. The penalty for knocking over the tower was a disgusting drink which was a mix of beer, wine and whiskey. Sadly, I had to drink it twice! The group decided to go into Tent City in the evening but I was too tired and got a good night sleep instead.