Date: 2008-04-03
From: The Place, Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In the tradition of reaching a trail town, we decided to take a zero day!!! Well, we were the first to wake up, it was 8a, and just lounged around. As we laid there, Fester gathered up his clothes and prepared to head to the Laundromat. When he left, Toddy Bear, Stovie, and I were contemplating breakfast ideas. I don't remember whose idea it was (I think it was T. Bear's), but we decided to walk to the Dollar General Store and each of us buy a box of cereal and split a gallon of milk. I bought Honey Nut Cheerios, T. Bear had Lucky Charms, and Stovie bought Cinammon Toast Crunch. When we got back to the room, we began eating. We had intentions of sharing cereal, but for some odd reason, we each just ate our own...Not a bad way to consume 1220 calories, eh? While we were eating, we heard a voice from behind us...It was the Red Ranger. He was appearantly washing his clothes at the laundromat and saw Fester, who told him where we were staying. We chatted with him for a very long time. He informed us that VA "gets easier" once you pass Mnt. Rogers and then he returned to his place. Toddy Bear, Stovie and I were all pretty shocked that he came and talked to us before he left because we thought that he didn't like us, but it turns out, he enjoys hanging out and talking with us!!! We enjoy your company too Red Ranger! After resupplying at the Food City, we all went to the Library and met Fester. I listened to some Reggeaton and worked a little bit on my trailjournal...these things are hard to maintain! When we went back to the Place, I was stunned to see Bunz and Roses in the commons. I walked over to them and gave them a hug. I then told them of our plans to destroy the AYCE buffet at Pizza Plus, but Roses reminded me of Ryan's! So, they left and went to Dot's, but told us they would meet with us at 6:30p. When 6:30p rolled around, Other Jake, Buns, Roses and Team Deutschmark walked to Pizza Plus. After that, we walked back to the Place and learned that Night Terror was still hiking with his brother and friend, Zig, and was entering Hampton, TN today...we'll see him soon! Before I parted with Bunz and Roses, I told them of our Idea to "Aqua Blaze" from Waynesboro-->Harper's Ferry. They told me they would try and catch up because it sounds like fun! Then, I headed to the room where the guys were getting ready for a serious discussion about mileage. Alright, here's what happened: We decided that we want to increase our mileage because we have been pulling into camp at around 3-4p, but we don't want to increase it to the point that we have to cut down on our "lolly gagging"--that's one thing we all enjoy and do very well!!! We did, however, remember that Red Ranger said it would be "easier" for us to do these miles and not lose any "down" time because of our speed and that he's one of the only [former] Thru-Hikers to NOT lie to us about terrain or anything else (Thanks again Red Ranger for being honest with us)! So, we'll increase our miles, but cut down if it effects our "lolly gagging."Oh! Roses informed me that the Treat wants me to become a member of the Here Here Gang...they like me. Unfortunately, I'm very proud to be a Deutschmarkian, but we can form a "gang alliance" (ha ha)! Also, Dropkick acquired a cool looking dog named LEAF BEARD. It's an awesome looking fella!!!