Date: 2004-05-01
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Damascus, Va. - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

During the pre-planning of my hike, I had not considered this many zero days as part of my schedule. Most past thru-hikers will tell you that if you do not improvise, adapt and/or overcome obstacles, your chances of completing your hike to Katahdin are greatly reduced. Sitting at home in a healthy environment I did not consider an interruption of my hike due to injuries. Rest days are just as valuable in the success of being a thru hiker. And so, I zero not only re-supply and rest a tired body but also to mend.Since Grant (Fire Marshal) left Amicalola Falls on the approach trail to Springer Mountain several of us have had discussions with him concerning his pack and pack weight. Grant has stood firm and has done a remarkable feat carrying almost 50 pounds this many miles. So it came as a shock to us when Fire Marshal approached us at the outfitters telling us he is changing his pack and sleeping bag. Boo Boo and I looked at each other in disbelief. This must be a joke we thought. No joke! Grant realized that his pack weight is affecting his feet. If he wants to make Katahdin, he has to make changes. When Boo Boo and I saw the sincerity in his face along with the look of so many questions, we both began to educate Grant on what we knew. My best advice was to listen to other thru hikers; listen to what you body is saying it needs. Also, listen to the information the salesperson may be saying. He or she may be knowledgeable but they also want to make the sale. Ask questions and be comfortable. Having been there myself, I could see so many things being turned over in his mind. I reined in my conversations so he wouldn¢t be overwhelmed. I told him if he needed my advice or ask me questions, I would be there for him. In the end, he bought a pack and sleeping bag that met his criteria. Grant has reduced his weight by 10 pounds. Once he develops a new relationship with his this pack and his needs, I see another 5 to 7 pounds being reduced easily.I said earlier the AT is a teacher if you are willing to listen. Sometimes we hear but are not willing to listen. (I include myself in that group of ¢we¢). I am glad Fire Marshal listened; he is on his trail to Katahdin.The Side Track Cafe in Damascus is a unique concept. It is a restaurant, bar and internet cafe. Every night the cafe cooks an all you can eat (or until it is all gone) dinner with dessert and drink for thru-hikers. The cost, a donation or whatever you can afford. If you do not like the AYCE dinner, the menu and drink prices are reasonable. During the hiking season the cafe opens around 7-7:30 am until the last hiker leaves or 12:00 midnight, whichever comes first.I picked the right day again to zero with everyone. It either snows or rains on my zero days. I am staying with Pegasus and Boo Boo at "The Place", a hostel setup in a 2 story house sponsored by the First Methodist Church of Damascus. The cost - a $4 donation per night on the honor system. I find it amazing that this system works up and down the trail with hikers gladly giving a donation. The word travels fast on the AT if you stiff anyone. Your trail name is spread through trail towns, outfitters, hostels and around campfires at shelters and campsites. You might as well go off trail - in essence you are blackballed. P.S. Thank you Pat for the wonderful surprise mail drop! I love the instructions and have used everything the box contained. I do have one question. After reading the funnies, I used the paper as you suggested. How do I get the ink off my cheeks?