500 miles to go....

Less than 500 miles from home! We arrived in Damascus, VA, yesterday. One of the best known towns on the trail, famous for the big hiking festival held here every May, Damascus is a mecca for fishing, hiking, and biking. In addition to the AT, the Virginia Creeper trail, a rail-trail, passes through town. It’s amazing to see a town this (very small) size with 6 or 7 bike shop/tour companies. If only there were more than one bar….

We’re definitely starting to experience some wintry weather. We’ve had some very cold and windy nights out on the trail, fortunately tempered by some glorious, sunny fall days. The colors have been beautiful, though now most of the leaves are off the trees and on the trail. And leaves are a pain in the ass. Slick as glass when wet. Covering rocks and roots and all manner of ankle-turning obstacles when dry. And LOUD. Crunching through the leaves is making me a bit nutty—it’s hard to even hear yourself think. I do enjoy seeing the change of seasons on the trail, though. One of the advantages of flip-flopping and splitting up the hike.

Vista outside Pearisburg, VA.

After leaving Pearisburg, we went to Woods Hole, one of the best hostels on the AT, run by Michael (who gave me a fantastic massage!) and Neville. A beautiful, serene location, delicious meals, and great company(including the puppies and kitties) made for a terrific evening. We had another relaxing stay in Marion, VA, a surprisingly neat little town. We headed into town to escape the pounding rain and wait for some clear weather. As usual, we went straight to Mickey D’s, for Quarter Pounders and Wifi, where we came across the General Francis Marion Hotel, an historic inn in downtown Marion. A well-restored and lovely hotel, with a hopping little bar, in a very active main street area. Even considering the source of all evil (I’m looking at you, Walmart) is in town. Marion also has a restored theatre (didn’t get to go in) that is one of only 3 remaining Mayan revival theatres in the country.

Woods Hole hostel, VA.

Pancho and friend at Woods Hole.

Pancho setting up camp at Old Orchard (VA),
where we spent a crazy windy night, pondering the
wind rating of our tent.

Mt. Rogers high country (VA).

Wild ponies along the trail, Mt.Rogers high country (VA).

Nachita and friend. Much better than encountering a
 bear parked in the middle of the trail.

We rolled into Damascus just before the temperature dropped and the rain started. Of course, the forecast now predicts snow showers on Friday. Yikes! There may be a second zero in Damascus. I’m more than willing to suck it up and hike through rain, snow, etc., if I’m already out on the trail. But heading out of town into crappy weather? That’s a totally different ballgame. For the moment, we’re warm, dry, and comfy. We’ll see how long it lasts!