Date: 2008-03-07
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Well, decided to stay a second night in Damascus. Thus, instead of a "nero" day this now becomes a "zero" day (as I view it, anyway). I made this decision based upon the following reasons: 1) It is storming rain outside; 2) I wanted to talk to the guys at Mt. Rogers Outfitters (exchange tips, etc.); 3) It's storming rain outside; 4) Chance to stop by the library and look for a $1 used, paperback book to take with me; 5) It's storming rain outside.I have only one complaint about the Mt. Rogers hostel (where I am staying both nights) - they have no heat in the building. Given that it was supposed to get down into the 20's last night, no heat was an issue. Sure, I've got a sleeping bag that would keep me warm - but should I have to use it in a hostel? I had also encountered the same situation at Hike Inn in Fontana. They had a space heater, but it just couldn't warm the room up. At least at Mt. Rogers hostel they were nice enough to loan me a small space heater - which did a pretty decent job of heating up my small room.I've got both bunks in my room to myself - which is nice. Last night, around 6pm, there showed up about eight college students who were finishing a section hike. They were from Central Michigan University and getting ready to drive back home. They also spent the night at the hostel last night. Talked to them for a bit and they were a really a nice group of folks. Got a group picture of them and will post it when I get the opportunity.I've also found a little coffee/internet shop next to the Subway. It wasn't here a couple of years ago. Great place for a speciality coffee - even better they have a high-speed internet computer you can use in the back. Yes, you can also use the computers at the library, but I'm not sure if the library allows you to upload pictures to Trail Journals. The computer in the coffee shop does allow uploading pictures.The coffee shop also has a phone that you can use with a phone calling card to call home (or whomever). This beats having to stand around outside at a pay phone and paying the phone phone surcharge. In a pinch, Mt. Rogers Outfitter will also let you use their phone inside the store (with a calling card).Did I mention that "The Place" has closed down? The story I heard is that the Methodist adminstrator of the place became a little bit too liberal with what the hikers were allowed to do (drinking? / something else?). Anyway, it's gone for good. I think there may be another hostel (beside Mt. Rogers) in town, but most of the other places you can stay are Bed & Breakfasts - and they charge anywhere from $60 up.A tip - before you go to the General Dollar store and buy anything like batteries, bleach (water purification), snacks - take a look around the hostel. They have a lot of stuff left behind. I had bought a giant container of bleach because I was out (yes, it only cost $2) - only to find some at the hostel. The college students gave me two, new freeze-dried breakfasts (scrambled eggs and bacon) and a bag of beef jerky. If you need some type of small accessory (small, pill bottle, for example) the outfitters may just give it to you for free - especially if you by something else at the same time.I'm typing this and was feeling a bit guilty about not getting back on the trail this morning. Now I can hear the heavy rain while sitting inside the building here - my regrets are no longer there.According to the NWS the weather is supposed to be really nice (that means, to me, "no rain") for the next five days, or so. Don't know if I have mentioned it to you, but my weather radio has been a great benefit. I bought the one that REI sells - Midland brand with a small, telescoping antenna; uses two AAA batteries. A great way to plan where to go while hiking in the next few days.So, what am I going to do for the rest of the day/night. I'll just eat some of my snacks for lunch. I ate Italian at "Sicily's" restaurant last night. Not a lot of other restaurants - but there are some hamburger joints and the subway. For the rest of the day, just relax, make any gear improvements (I believe in the idea that there is always something you can improve, gearwise). I've also been told that Friday nights in Damascus are "auction night" in the empty building next to the outfitters. Supposed to be fun to look at (not buy) some of the unusual items they have. Plus, they usually have some type of hot dog cook-out with beans, etc. That sounds like a posibility.Tomorrow - back on the trail (for real). Next shelter is only about six miles - not sure what's after that. Probably due a stretch of tent camping to keep the mileage up. Working with Trail Boss, we are moving my average daily mileage up from 15 to 17 miles. I think this is consistently doable. It also impacts how much food she will send me; how many days I have to carry; and where my next resupply spot will be. I've decided to pretty much give up on using post offices - their short hours of operation; closed on Sundays; etc. makes planning difficult. I have been very happy with using various hostels/outfitters/etc. Most are open longer hours; all day Saturday; and some on Sundays. A suggestion - if they don't charge to hold your package, leave them a small tip (couple of dollars) for their trouble. Also, before you mail a package to any place, call them in advance and make sure they will do so.Trail Boss is sending my next supply box to the Relax Inn (it's right on the trail about 4-5 days north of Damascus). After that - the Rendevous Motel in Pearisburg.You might want to take a look at Baltimore Jack's 4-part resupply recommendation list on White Blaze. He has updated it for last year. It was his list where I found out about the Relax Inn. Again, call the place ahead of time to see that they still accept packages.