Date: 2016-03-24
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascus, VA - Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

The AT continues to surprise. First surprise was that Fresh Ground vacated the shelter area before sunrise and hiked out in the dark. I thought a bear might've eaten him whole because he sleeps with his foodbag beneath him, but no such luck as we caught up with him hours later. Second surprise was seeing Sir Charles, black chihuahua, shown in the picture sitting on top of Joe's backpack as Joe hikes.No surprise was that Who-Dat is a great guy. I hiked with Who-Dat for a couple hours at the start of the day. It gave us time to talk and learn about each other and our hikes. Who-Dat is an Air Force veteran, specifically a "PJ" that means Parachute Jumper. Wow, the military hikers are significant in number out here and even more impressive individuals. My understanding is that Who-Dat's role was to parachute wherever required to rescue downed Air Force personnel. This includes parachuting behind enemy lines. Who-Dat is trained to medically treat the personnel being rescued as well as navigating the terrain to return to a safe location. Who-Dat served in Afghanistan. He joined the Air Force when he was seventeen. After Blues Brother caught up with us, Blues Brother and Who-Dat discussed various deployments. Blues Brother is an Army veteran who served in Iraq. The war towns they discussed were locations I recognized by name, except they served in these combat areas. I was getting so much more than a hike on the AT today. All I could do was listen and then admit that my feeble "Thank you for your service" felt inadequate. I asked what words should be expressed to show gratitude to them and Blues Brother said "Thank You." Before Blues Brother joined us, Who-Dat openly shared his faith. It was just yesterday that Fresh Ground shared his. I was with Subman & Suds and Trail Chef and Judy enough to experience their faith. I haven't had discussions and experiences like these for many years. It is pretty powerful and all with the AT and its beauty in the background.We caught up with Fresh Ground in time to hike as a group of four for a couple hours. Today's hike was mostly downhill and that was good because I think all of us were feeling the impact of yesterday's long hike. The joking between us flows so easily. I hope to remember Fresh Ground's playful comment that this climb that is giving us all we can handle is "the last climb of the day."We'd heard so many good things about Woodchuck Hostel that it became our destination in Damascus, VA. Virginia already. We left Tennessee for the last time after leaving North Carolina earlier this week. Hard to believe we've come this far. Damascus is often referred to as the best trail town on the AT. Woodchuck Hostel is certainly going to be among the best hostels. Woodchuck is a former thru-hiker and his hotel is extremely welcoming. Booty, who I last saw in Newfound Gap is here recovering from a stomach bug. Morgan, as I met him on Day 1, turns out to be Medic, that Fresh Ground speaks so highly of. The banter in this expanded group is upbeat. Subman & Suds send me a message that they will leave Mountain Harbour Hostel tomorrow. Zach (Teach) and Angela (Steady) got engaged at Overmountain Shelter. Beth arrives tomorrow and Fresh Ground is drooling with mischievous thoughts. Special days. I am surrounded by so many wonderful people while hiking this incredible trail.