Date: 2008-04-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mnt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

We decided to sleep in a bit--8a--because Fester and Stovie had to mail some things from the Post Office and buy some "last minute" things from the Outfitters. By 8:45a, we were all packed up and began cleaning the hostel. Toddy Bear and I were gathering the trash while Fester did an amazing job at sweeping the floors...I want to come back to this place and do a little bit more for it! As we were leaving, we spoke with Crazy Horse. He recommended that we take the VA Creeper trail from Damascus to Creeper Junction because it's flat, and eventually hooks back up with the AT. Also, since there was an overcast, we wouldn't get a good view from Straight Mnt. anyways. Then, we left and went to the Outfitters. While there, we spoke to Dave's employee and he told us to take our time going up Mnt. Rogers because the view was very nice. After hearing some of his AT stories, Lonewolf came in complaining to Dave about Dropkick and his newly acquired dog, Leaf Beard. I was a little bothered because it seemed like this guy couldn't mind his own business and has to be involved in the Hiker's business. Oh Well, enough ranting!!As we were leaving town, we decided to stop at Cowboy's Deli to grab a quick breakfast meal. While waiting for our food, we ran into the Red Ranger, for the last time. He is waiting for his wife to pick him up later today. We listened to more stories from his '06 Thru-hike, funny pics he takes of backpackers, and then told him where Buns and Roses were staying so that he could say hello to them (I think he likes them too)!!! We said our good-bye's and Fester told us, "guys, I'm gonna go to the library for a couple of hours. I'll catch you at the shelter tonight." So, Stovie, Toddy Bear and I hit the trail. Keeping to the traditional Team Deutschmark way, we took the VA Creeper Trail--not because we wanted to take "the easy way out," but we wanted to experience another wonder of the trail world!!!!!! It was VERY flat and viewless, but it did expose me to some funny things: 1) The Bike and Hike Cafe with all of its 'Castle-goodness,' 2) A homemade privy ( a lawn chair with a hole cut out in the middle and TP on a branch next to it), 3) A long bridge at long bridge at Creeper Jct. When Fester caught up with us, we decided to eat 1st lunch by the stream. It was pretty cool because we skipped rocks and watched the fish eat the bugs on the water. When we did rejoin the AT, Fester and Stovie took off while Toddy Bear and I slowly walked to the shelter. Then, the AT decided to bless us with rain. We began running and eventually got there before the rain. This is a pretty nice looking place with a HUGE Privy...it also has The Lorax written on the walls so that you have something to read! Also, we've got a nice view of Whitetop Mnt. and Mnt Rogers (VA's 2nd and 1st highest points, respectively). Oh! Pa Bert is here tonight. He Thru-Hiked with the Red Ranger in '06 and appearantly ran into him during their LT hike in '07. Yeti is also here. After talking with Yeti, I've learned some new techniques: 1) When cooking oatmeal, open the pack as close to the top as possible, pour your water in, let it rehydrate and eat it straight out of the pack, 2) When you buy Lipton Sides for dinner, buy a box of Angel Hair Pasta...throwing in a handful of noodles makes the meal more filling, 3) If you have a windscreen for your stove, use the bottom piece to double as a Mouse Line in the shelter, and 4) your beanie can double as an insulating device for your dinner!! Well, it's about 8p and Fester, Stovie and I are journaling while Yeti is reading, and Pa Bert and Toddy are sleeping. After looking at the Profile map, VA doesn't seem too bad once you get past the Grayson Highlands...I think our 20+ mile days will be feasible. As I'm writing, Fester is stalking a bunny. He got pretty close, but something seemed to have broken Fester's "Bear Gryllis" hunting style. Oh! He's now walking in the rain with his arm outstretched searching for signal on his radio--he loves to listen to Delilah before going to bed. I tried to "stealth" a picture, but he gave up before I could!!!!