Date: 2013-05-16
From: Dickey gap

To: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 14.6

Woke up early, took another hot shower. Caretaker came by while we slept and replaced used towels with fresh ones. Blitz walked to the intersection of the back road that leads directly to Damascus, VA. He will hitch there to arrive early for Trail Days. Being my first time hiking the AT, I definitely want to go. I'd hate to finish the thru hike and regret not attending when I had the opportunity. Heard that it is a fun time there. After breakfast, dropped our donations in the box and stood across the street to hitch a ride back to the gap. Finally, John, a resident on the side street we were standing near picked us up. He was really nice, familiar with the Church congregation as well as the former store owner. Helps out hikers in need of a ride when he can. Back on the trail we reach Trimpi shelter on the downhill, an older stone wall structure with 2 levels of sleeping platforms on the left and right. on the center rear wall is a fire pit and chimney. A dried out snake skin lies near the back wall, a paper sign says to leave it alone as it seems to deter mice. further along we pass thru grass fields with small yellow flowers sprinkled throughout. all around are tree covered hills in various shades of green. To the right of the trail we see a wooden trail magic box decorated with hand prints of different color paints with the names of members of the nearby Valley View Baptist Church youth group written below. "Pray it forward" it reads on the top. On the inside of the lid reads a verse from John 6:35. Inside all sorts of sweets, pleasant surprise, looks like they were here recently and come by often to restock it. Thank you! Gradual slight uphill climb, some nearby plants give the air a cinnamon-like smell. As we near the shelter, signs hanging on trees say not to camp in that area due to restoration and not to collect water due to contamination. We finally arrive at the famous Partnership shelter, known for its newer nicer structure, complete with showers and more importantly it's right next to the Mt. Rogers Visitor center where cold sodas in vending machines are available and pizzas can be ordered and delivered. Our original plan was to stay here, but since we moved so quickly and it was still early, decided instead to hitch to Marion. There we could get cleaned and rested up and be closer to the highway for a hitch back to Damascus for Trail Days. We were fortunate to get a ride from local trail angel Kinnikinnick. She was nice enough to make room for our packs in the already full trunk. Her dog sat on our laps as we rode into town. As we rode she explained her origins in Colorado and being named after the plant. In town she showed us where all the good food was as well as laundry, library, mail, etc. We spoke of our excitement to attend Trail Days for the first time. Originally she was not going to attend this year but I think our enthusiasm may have swayed her to change her mind. Fortunate to have met you Kinnikinnick! Thanks for the ride, following my journal, and leaving messages of encouragement along the way, it definitely helped and I appreciate it for sure!