Day 52 – Abingdon Gap Shelter to Damascus, VA

“Carry me back yeah to old Virginia

That’s where the cotton and corn and taters grow

That’s where the birds yeah warble sweet in the spring-time

That’s where this heart of mine, yeah longs to go” – Ray Charles

Up at 7:00. Sunny, breezy, mid-60s. Out of camp at 8:00. It’s getting very humid and the green tunnel isn’t helping.

10:55 crossed the Virginia / Tennessee state line.

Today should be easier than this. Left Achilles is hurting as well as both feet. I got past this a few weeks ago and it’s all back now. The last two days doing 16 miles was harder than the 18s last week. I guess it’s the 3 days off? Hopefully I get past this crap quick. 

I don’t plan on a full zero day for 2 to 4 weeks depending on a bunch of factors. I need to make miles!

Got to Damascus at 12:30. Made good time. Nice quiet little town. The trail runs right through town and down the sidewalk of Main Street.

Got an early check-in at Dancing Bear Inn. It’s someplace between a hostel and B&B. Quite nice and quiet . Very nice owner.

I’m in the Duck bedroom. And it has a duck!

Showered, got laundry done, charged electronics, did resupply shopping at the outfitter in town then walked a mile to the local grocery store and back. I had to say goodbye to an old pair of friends that I have been hiking with for over a year.:(

They were both leaking. They have done me well. Replaced with a new 1-liter and a new .7-liter Smart Water bottle. Also picked up a pair of Injinji socks and a SUPER lightweight Outdoor Research shirt (orange) that has amazing wicking and quick drying material. The new short sleeve that Dana brought me in Johnson City was an utter failure in terms of material, wicking, and drying. I’ll keep it for now as a camp shirt, but probably ditch it due to weight soon. 

Had a nice dinner with an older section hiker named Larry at the local diner. Talked for close to 2 hours. Very cool dude. Had a good local bourbon at the local distillery. 

I got all my food sorted and packed. Got a 5-day food carry coming up. Ugh. That’s heavy, and my next resupply is at a Sunoco station at I-81 & US 11 near Atkinson, VA on Sunday or Monday. 

Videoed with Dana to finalize the resupply box headed to Eric Hanson later next week. Lots of lessons learned going into this resupply box 🙂

I have about 16 miles tomorrow with 2 good climbs. And the forecast is sketchy…mixed thunderstorms and very humid the next 2 days.

Chilled in my room, updated blogs, and read till close to midnight.

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Payday 240
• Trail mix 270
• Payday 240
• Hamburgers x 2 650
• Green beans 100
• Mashed potatoes 220
• Bourbon x 2 300
• Pepperoni 250
• Water liters 3.4
• Miles 10.2
• Time 4:30
• Elevation gain 2500
• Calories consumed 3700
• Calories burned 3000