Huffhike

Day 25 (Mile 470)
After waking up we knew we had a short 9-10 miles into Damscus for the start of Trail Days (while crossing into Virginia). Little did we know that the last 10 miles into town was incredibly easy and was a great grade for cruising some miles. We ended up crossing into Virginia before 11am, and we made it to town by noon.

After we got to town, we pitched our tents in the woods portion of tent city. The game plan was that we would set it up there so that we would be in the shade rather than in the baseball field. Anyways after we setup, I went over to the town post office to grab my new shoes. They ended up not being in yet. So I then walked over to the Appalachian Trail headquarters in Damascus to get my hiker tag (thru hikers get a tag that shows you are a thru-hiker). Most hikers get the tags when they start the trail, but I was a late start so I was not given one.

I then got my tag, and went over to the food lion in town to get food. I then went back to camp to call it a day.

Day 26 – 28 (Mile 470)

Over the past few days I fell behind on my blog. Which Im not the most proud of, but in the same aspect I think its okay. I would rather be present and fall behind on this then be focused on writing everyday. Anyways over these days I was at Trail Days. Trail Days is a festival that is held by the ATC in Damascus Virginia. The festival includes vendors, a parade, events, and some parties in the woods.

While at trail days, I camped in the woods of tent city (tent city is where the thru hikers are asked to camp). It was a great spot with solid ground. The only downside was that the crew next to us left there music playing throughout the night. Even with the restless nights, I had a great time at the festival, and was even given a 6 pack of Long Trail Ale once someone found out I hiked the trail in the past.

Outside of the parties trail days had pleanty of opportunities to buy some gear. I was hesitant to purchase gear due to my budget but I was easily persuaded due to the deals. Over the 3 days I purchased the following.

Jolly Gear short sleeve shirt (the long sleeves were killing me in the heat)
A water bottle holder (to hold peanut butter)
An Umbrella (to stop the rain more)
A fanny pack (so I can have more snacks available)

On top of selling stuff the vendors were giving out stickers and other cool free things. I collected a sweet pile of loot. After realizing that I had too many stickers, I sent home the stickers with a pile of some gear (puffy jacket, winter hat / gloves, and my old shoes (got a new pair in the mail)). Some vendors were also doing raffles for thru hikers. I ended up winning a hammock at one of the raffles.

After winning the Hammock, I ran over to the post office. But they were closed, realizing that I didnt want to carry two sleep systems, I started to look around. At first I tried the local outfitters to no luck as well as a few hostels. After about half an hour of trying, I found a hostel owner who was willing to send it for me. So I met up with him and the package was off!

Outside of the fun times, trail days is about bringing together all of the classes of thru-hikers. So during the last day of the festival they throw a town parade where the local people throw water at the current thru-hikers, and sorta heckle them.

All in all I had a phenomenal time at trail days. I think that it was well worth the 3 zero mile days.