Date: 2017-05-18
From: Vandeventer shelter

To: TN Highway 91 + ride into Damascus
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

From Fatboy:Sleep was elusive last night.  We shared the shelter with 4 other hikers and it was a symphony!  It's all part of the deal but it can be frustrating at times.  I was up by 0545 and dressed to get water from the spring that was down a side trail.  It was WAY DOWN a side trail.  I wore my hiking shoes (instead of my Crocs), my puffy jacket (because the pockets are huge), and took my trekking poles.  All those things were good choices because this was the steepest and most difficult water access I've seen on the trail yet.  It required at least 30 minutes for the round trip and there was even a tent site near the bottom of the side trail.  I did return with a gallon of water so we had enough for our big coffees and a full oatmeal breakfast.  It was worth the trip.We left camp at 0855 with the destination of a road crossing about 11 miles away.  We planned to find a ride to Damascus, Va. for Trail Days and some much needed recuperation and attention to hygiene.  The lack of access to bathing and clean, dry, clothing isn't just a personal preference for me.  I get rashes that are very uncomfortable and could make it impossible for me to continue on the trail, because of infection, if I stay wet and dirty for too long.  Ginger had a rough afternoon yesterday and didn't want to lead our hike today.  She's really good a setting our pace so that I don't pound my feet to pulp by going too fast on the climbs and flats.  I was in the lead and we hiked with a focus on clean bodies, clean sheets, and good food.  We hiked over 11 miles in 6 1/2 hours.  That's a record pace for us but it should be noted that the last 6 miles was the easiest terrain of any section of the trail we've completed to date.  We paused frequently for water and snacks because the temperature was in the 80's and we had clear skies.  I was soaked with sweat but I guess all of the years I've lived on the South Texas coast were good conditioning for that because it didn't really slow us down.  We didn't have a plan for transportation from the highway crossing to Damascus but thought we'd hitchhike or call a shuttle.  I noticed a couple of cars parked near the trailhead as we exited the woods and a young man stepped out of one of the cars and asked me if we needed a ride to Trail Days.  Ginger and I were offered a ride before we'd even crossed the parking lot!  Trail magic is indisputable.  The two hikers who gave us the ride told us their story.  They are thru hikers who started the trail in Georgia at Amicalola Falls in early March and had left their car there.  They had just returned from picking their car up after they hitchhiked for 2 days needing 11 rides to get back to their car.  Then they decided to go to our particular road crossing to see if anyone needed a ride.  They had literally just pulled into the parking lot!  I'm beginning to think I should play the lottery.  They took us to Damascus and dropped us off in front of the B&B where we had reservations for tomorrow night.  The sign on the door said there was no vacancy so we decided to walk down the street to get something to eat and plan our next move.  We called the B&B just to see if there was a vacancy and left a voice message as we loaded up our packs and started down the sidewalk.  We were less than 50 yards away when my phone rang and the B&B owner notified me that we could have our room a day early.  Our lodging was arranged and we were on our way to hot showers and clean sheets.  I don't always have fortunate occurrences in my life but currently I'm charmed and very grateful.From Ginger:Nathan led us to the highway crossing at a kick ass pace. I'll admit, sometimes I just want to get there. I've had a few mental-struggle days lately. We were there by 3:30, fueled by an on-the-go lunch with a caffeine pill and ibuprofen. And we still stopped for a nature lesson: Today, Nathan pointed out a hickory tree, nut and hull. It'll be easy to remember the tree, with its shaggy, "hairy" look.Once we arrived at Dancing Bear B&B, I selected a crocheted hat made by the trail angels of Kempsville Baptist Church. There were numerous BOXES of hats, with varying sizes, shapes and colors. Imagine all the work those ladies put into making these donations. Everywhere I looked, I saw someone wearing one of them. Men and women. Even Princess Bear Cub, our generous driver into Damascus, was wearing a purple one she'd picked up earlier. Also had a fascinating conversation with a church deacon and Sunday school teacher named Bobby. If he led the class locally, I'd have sat in this weekend. Alas, they based in Virginia Beach. With this start to the weekend festivities, I'm glad we came.