Date: 2015-05-10
From: Mountaineer shelter area

To: Black Bear hostel
Miles today: 16.0

Mountaineer shelter to Black Bear Resort. 16 MWoke pretty early Sun morn due to being camped higher up. Catch the sunrise early. The tent was dry so got on the trail at 7:45 am. The trail was in good condition and no significant climbs on the agenda. Passed some grand views, smaller waterfalls, and many pretty flowers. The goal today was to get to Black Bear hostel. Shower, wash clothes, resupply and eat a lot. Only 16 miles, so a relatively short hiking day. The trail intersected the road to the hostel in the early afternoon and a couple at the first house asked if I needed anything. I just missed some great trail magic here. On Sat they were grilling food for hikers all day, and had a bonfire after dark. They offered me fresh donuts and ice water. I had a large apple fritter, followed by a large cinnamon roll, with a bottle of ice cold water. Was thinking about having one or two more donuts, but didn't want to seem greedy so stopped at two. They were really good. Arrived at the hostel about 2:30 pm and got everything done by 7pm. Two different ladies asked me if I was eating enough, getting enough calories. The answer to both was, probably not. I'm wondering if I look like an escapee from a POW camp, or the last finisher of the final stage of the Tour de France bike race. Possibly I've achieved a new level of gauntness for strangers to notice. The shuttle took a group of us to the small town of Hampton for something to eat and some resupply. I got a large Subway sandwich for dinner tonight, and lunch on the trail tomorrow. Then went to McDonalds for a large chocolate shake and large fries. We stopped by Dollar General and I picked up food for the trail to reach Damascus. Staying in the bunkhouse for $18. Will be OK if no snorers. They have some nicer cabins, but more expensive. Great if there are several people to share. Eric did a great job for me to get a replacement air mattress from REI sent ahead to me. The one I have is usable, but difficult and slow to inflate. Will be able to pick up the new one in Damascus, VA in a couple of days. The failed one will be returned for credit. The annual Trail Days festival in Damascus is scheduled for May 15 thru 17. It is the largest gathering of hikers each year. A giant party from what I hear. Not my kind of fun, but I want to see what it is all about. Damascus is a town of about 800, that grows to several thousand for the festival. They will have gear and hiking equipment manufacturers and retailers in an expo. Other activities I'm sure but will have to wait and see. Will have to dredge up a place to stay, as I hear everything is full. Damascus is only 50 miles from here so I will try to hike 3 shorter days and camp outside town, to arrive in town Thurs morn. Probably leave town sometime Sat afternoon. Black Bear Resort/hostel is a nice place. Not really much of a resort, but an OK hostel, and in a pretty location. There is a small river (Laurel River) that runs directly behind the bunkroom. It's a very fast flowing stream, and has trout in it. Two very good hiking days in a row. Nice to have everything dry. All for now. O'RYAN