Date: 2008-05-15
To: Damascus.
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Everday so far when I wake up, I look forward to what adventure awaits and what the day will bring? Today had a little more excitement as DAMASCUS was on everyones mind.Flash and I hiked together for a while. Eventually, he left me in the dust. His long legs give him a fast stride. In part, that's why I called him "Flash".Back in the world he is an EMT and a photo journalist as well.Not long after we got going, we crossed a road. It was there we met "Hammer" and his wife Geraldine. He was a retired CPO (Chief Petty Officer)in the Navy.He had thru-ed many years earlier. They had a table of trail magic set up on the side of the road behind their truck. We enjoyed hot Bean soup, bread, oranges, candy & Little Debbies. What a great way to start off the day.Imagine, getting up so early, driving to this remote area and offering trail magic? This is what makes the AT so special, THE PEOPLE! I have trouble fully understanding why people do this? However the longer I am out here, the more I am starting to "Get It"! I can understand if you're a hiker or family of a hiker, but it's the people who have no special connection other than wanting to do something good for others. That part really blows me away.This changes you, it is changing me. Today we also ran into some "Doylies". This is a nick name to inviduals whom are enrolled in Warren Doyles hiking workshop. These people are in training for their 2010 hike. Their type of hike will be to have support each day throughout their hike. Such as being picked up and staying indoors most nights. They will not need to carry multi-day provisions. For some, this type of hike will make it possible for them to hike the AT whom otherwise couldn't. More power to them, this is a great place to be.The Okies had passed through here the day before. They left Sprite a message stating that they left a surprise for all of us at the Abbington Gap Shelter.Half expecting Beer or food, it was even more of a surprise. Maverick & Rawhide had written a poem about Sprite, Freckles & myself. It was as touching as it was funny. I could just picture them doing this? I wonder how many Bud Lights were involved?Thanks guys, I can honestly say I never had a man write me a poem. This was a first, I wouldn't trade it away for anything.The hiking was good today, the weather and terrain were cooperative.After 18 miles, we finally made our way down the mountain and into the town of Damascus. We had just crossed into Virginia. 3 states now completed.The trail led to the famous wooden sign in which we all took our customary photo. We learned that there was a "tent city" about a mile away. The cost was $5.00 for the next five nights. Sounds like a deal to me?The tent city was at the other end of town, away from everything. There were already gear vendors set up, so after pitching our tents, I sought out the vendors for repairs. I left my Osprey Aether 60 pack with Osprey to have a large tear sewn. I left my Leki's with Leki to have a bent shaft replaced and my Sea-to-Summit bags with an authorized vendor to patch the holes in them. I was hoping to have some of these items replaced, but no such luck.After showering, we walked into town. We heard that the Baptist Church was putting on a free Hiker Feed. Surely not, there is just to many hikers here already? It was true! They had hotdogs, beans, chips, pop, little debbies and other things. They had a covered pavillion on their lawn with several picnic tables. Unbelievable, the undertaking for such generosity was incredible. The church does this every year during Trail Days. These people are wonderful. Thank you all very much!Next was the laundromat. Several of us hung out and continued the festive spirit while our clothes were being cleaned. Later back at tent city, we all were grouped together and enjoying the festivites. It was a grand reunion when Springloaded arrived, his mother Becky joined us as well. I wasn't sure if I would ever see him again after he got off the trail back at Sams Gap,nearly 200 miles ago. There was alot going on tonight, different bon fires, beer keg tent, you name it, it was probably happening somewhere around here. There was a strong police presence here. They were situated at the main entrance of the field, however, your freedom was not restricted. I think having them around benefitted everyone far more than preventing anything. They truly reflected the "serve and protect" image.They even brought around fire wood and ice from time to time.It was afterall, a Hiker Rally not a Biker Rally.Alot of people are continuously arriving. Some hitched forward others hitched back to be here. This is the Northbounder Hiker event of the year. Many of us read about it, now we are a part of it. I am finally here in Damascus, what a milestone.