Date: 2004-05-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 535.5.0412:45pmI did it! I escaped the magical, mystical, mysterious draw of Damascus. Took a phone call to mom to shake me out of the stupor that lays over you once you cross the unseen boundary of town. The stupor that draws you twice and thrice daily to the Side Track Caf©. The stupor that wondrously lets you surf the web for hours on end at the library. The stupor of long chats at The Place. The stupor of getting a cheap shuttle to the movies, even if the movie isn¢t worth the price of admission. The popcorn and comfy movie seats were, as was watching Coyote dance in front of the distortion mirror in the lobby. Walking through town one last time, even with my pack on, I was sorely tempted to enter each restaurant, bakery, outfitter, heck even the laundromat (to see who¢s around) as I passed it by. But Andrew, who was leading the way, staunchly and resolutely kept on walking. With such an example, how could I succumb? (Quite easily, actually, had I known he was sharing the same thoughts). But, once my foot hit the first step of dirt trail, upon crossing the road, something clicked in my brain. And I felt I had come home. The invisible force field encompassing Damascus had been breached. The magnetic pull emanating from the caf© has loosed it hold on me, perhaps attacking another unsuspecting hiker. But, I have escaped, and am now safely 5 miles down the trail. Hopefully it¢s far enough¢¦2:30pmMade it to Saunders Shelter, along w/ Andrew and Iodine. Good bet that the danger is now past. Damascus is safely in the distance. Sill can¢t get over the lushness of the trail. The colors of the wildflowers stand out in stark contrast to the absolute greens of the leaves and canopy, and the browns of the duff. And now that I have my handy-dandy flower book, I can name some plants w/ confidence. Saw quite a few fire pinks on the ascent up Straight Mtn. Also a lot of Star Chickweed, which I¢ve been seeing everywhere but had no idea as to its name. The Crested Dwarf Iris seem to be making a last effort at blooming.8:45pmStopped at Lost Mtn for the night. Was planning on pushing another 1 12 miles to tent, but Little Tree threatened bodily harm. Yes, she and the Stomach are here too. Expected to catch them, but not in one day. The latter¢s Achilles is causing major discomfort, so they¢ve been taking it easy. Eagle Eye and Pooka are just a mile ahead, but the others who left yesterday are a good 13-20 miles up. I¢ll have to put in some long days to get to Pearisburg by Thurs. May not happen. May be Friday. But, it¢s good to have a goal (short-term) to work towards. Keeps me focused. Others at the shelter are Fizz (an alumni thru-hiker out for a week), Andrew, Danny, and Iodine. No sign of the Hobbits, or Jabberwalk & Yippy. But, they started after I did, assuming they escaped the vortex. Iodine regaled us w/ tales of his Navy discharge. I guess he must be younger than I thought. I should give up guessing ages out here. I¢m absolutely horrible at it.Fortunately the forecasts of afternoon thunderstorms was false. Sunny skies all day hiking, w/ just the friendly big puffy white clouds. We like those. It¢s the nasty, looming black ones we detest. Pretty easy miles today, although my legs definitely felt the 2 zeroes I took. My calves were super tense, although they eased up after 4 or 5 miles. My right knee has acquired a twinging pain, along the lower patella. Hope nothing further develops. Tomorrow, a long ascent over Rogers. And the wild ponies! Should be an awesome day. Gonna snatch a few Zs. When I woke up this morning, I couldn¢t believe it was already 7, b/c there was no sign of the sun. Totally overcast. Had one final AYCE b-fast @ Side Track. Nuffy ragged me for still being around. But, I¢m FREE now. Onwards and upwards.