Date: 2015-04-20
From: Damascus

To: Beech Mountain Road
Miles today: 17.1

As Proudfoot kindly prepared dinner for the both of us - this is Arwen - privileged once again to guest write. We left Damascus at 6AM to drive my car to our elected 2-day endpoint, Massie Gap. We had arranged to take a shuttle back to Damascus from a parking lot there, and hike the 30 in-between miles today and tomorrow. The shuttle driver entertained us with interesting stories about bears and mountain lions, and was kind enough to drop us off directly at Crazy Larry's. The tent was still pitched in the back yard there, but within 30 minutes, we had packed up and were ready to move out. Larry insisted on taking our photo for his hostel's Facebook page, and kindly provided us with a few bananas for the road.We stopped at a coffee shop for breakfast sandwiches, where I was lucky enough to not only get an awesome egg and cheese, but to meet 4 of Proudfoot's cohorts; 10-Speed, Ginger-T, Blue Toes and Samson all stopped to chat for a bit, having also arrived in Damascus yesterday. They were all looking forward to a zero, and of course, to the aforementioned Damascus Brewing Company.While we were warned of an impending thunderstorm, the sky was bright and blue. The trail ahead was more difficult, but the weather was truly ideal. Very soon after we began, notices were posted along the trail warning of a detour, due to a bridge that had been washed out recently with high waters in the area. As we went along, it was indeed very apparent that the rivers and creeks were rushing well above their usual capacity. It seemed to never be more than a half mile or so before we encountered a new trailside waterfall that may only exist during these spring rains. While I realize that it is unwise to drink from these springs without filtering, I couldn't resist splashing the sweat off of my face with the ice cold water. I had resolved to keep pace again, but soon realized that today's hike was not exactly the same as the pleasant forest stroll from yesterday. We covered two 1000 ft climbs, with an 800ft descent in between, just during the first half of the day. The uphills seemed to never end, switchback after switchback. It almost felt as though we were climbing a ladder. Looking down over the ledge beside us, you could see the trail going back and forth like a marble track. The grade was uncomfortable at points, and the trail rockier. Every time we came by the stream and rivers, the almost air-conditioned breeze coming off the water was a breathtaking relief. My footing became sloppier with fatigue. The beautiful weather helped to lend much-needed energy, and Proudfoot was very generous with me regarding pace throughout the hike. Towards the end of the day, I noticed an uncomfortable pain on the ball of my foot. I took off my boot and sock to reveal a blister about the size of a fifty cent piece. My boots were broken in, and are waterproof, and my socks are wool and dry-wicking... the miles just take their toll on new feet. Having taped over the trouble spot, I finished out the day in a bit of pain, and was grateful when we came over the last hill to a spot that we had elected to camp near. It felt amazing to take my boots off, and to sit. Setting up my tent was a welcome relief. Being inside offers a home-base for evening relaxation and recovery. The day was satisfying, and beautiful, but taxing. I am looking forward to tomorrow with excitement, but also a bit of nervousness. The ascent tomorrow will be even greater thantoday, and I have no illusion that my foot issue will resolve itself overnight. While I am not remotely close to throwing in the towel, it gives you a bit of anxiety, knowing that you have no option but to continue. I imagine that thru-hikers experience this to a much greater extent. The promised storm finally caught up with us, and rain fell all night, bringing with it a chilling breeze. I wrapped up like a glo-worm in my sleeping bag, and only woke once, very briefly, to the sound of the storm.