Damascus, VA (USA)

For almost two weeks, the weather forecast has been terrible (rain, low temps) for this weekend in each of the hiking zones I monitor. Over two feet of snow fell in the NC/TN/VA mountains and I wasn’t inclined to “wade” through the trail. Actually considered staying home until this morning, suddenly, when I spied a partly cloudy day in the Damascus area. Decided to chance it to keep my hiking steak (almost every other weekend since July) going. Left home later than I wanted and had to drive in rain for many hours. Got gas in Salem at 1455 and was glad that the traffic was pretty light. There was a lot of snow on the ground south of Lexington too - things didn’t look good... I took VA-16 from Marion and drove into the Mount Rogers area (switched to VA-603), hoping that it would be nice the following day (at least) when I came across a hollow with no rain and sunshine! I was close to the intersection of US-58 - found the trailhead by 1645 (less than 30 minutes left until sunset) and, with no sign of rain, headed SOBO. Wasn’t planning anything aggressive, just a short hike before it was too dark. There was enough snow on the ground that it was extremely slippery in places. However, it was mostly mud and slush. Saw lots of deer within a few hundred yards of the road but no people at all. Within the first half mile, my back was drenched because (I later discovered) I hadn’t completely tightened the reservoir cap... Fixed it and was on my way again quickly, albeit wet. The short hike took me back to the Lost Mountain Shelter and I backtracked immediately. It got dark enough that I considered using the headlamp but I could see my tracks in the twilight. Just before the car, I had to navigate a bridgeless, five-inch-deep creek... Got in my car at 1750 (a little over two miles hiked) and headed west on curvy, treacherous US-58 (toward town). Stopped to visit Larry at his hostel and he helped me set up a shuttle for the following morning. Spent the evening sharing hiking stories with him and a young couple from Maryland (SOBO Thru Hikers, “Thumper” and “Fix-It”) who’d been waiting for the USPS to deliver their winter gear. Enjoyed some moonshine and cookie-brownies. Feeling excited to try a longer section tomorrow. 2018 hiking ain’t done yet! AT Today = 1.10 miles / Grand Total AT = 1263.32 miles