Damascus, VA (USA)

Woke up to the smell of Larry’s cooking (eggs, hash browns, pork chops and biscuits) - mmmm. He asked me to go over to Cowboys "to buy three to four eggs" (they ended up giving me a dozen for their friend). I also explored Damascus for a short time, looking for lunch to-go. Eventually got one at Mojo's Trailside Cafe (0715). Back at the Hostel, I swapped some more stories with the Thru hikers before my shuttle arrived (0800). I’ve not normally hired a driver like that but I was motivated by the great weather, the chance to avoid driving around in the mountains and the length of the section. Larry (hostel owner) and Larry (shuttle driver) chatted while we drove the roughly 12 miles on curvy US-58 to the trailhead (Creek Junction on VA-728). Meanwhile, I enjoyed the company of the former Larry’s dog, Sally... By 0830, I was climbing the steep bluff from the parking lot up to the Creeper Trail (Luther Hassinger Bridge). I headed SOBO and enjoyed a flat section for a little over a mile. After that, I climbed the first (of two) ridges. It was overcast and cool at first and I felt good about my energy as I trudged through mud and some leftover snow. I was layered up and prepared (rain poncho) but the temps climbed to the lower 50s as the sun came out (Yaay!). It did rain for a very short time but the tree cover kept me from getting wet. I could hear the sound of the water running in several deep creeks. Sometimes, I spotted the Creeper Trail far below. Other times, I heard cars on US-58. Highlight, though, was the clear sound of an eagle screeching overhead. Didn’t see any wildlife and didn’t expect to see any people, either, but encountered three at once while I was on the first ridge. One was a SOBO trail runner and the other two were college kids, out for a 100 mile section hike (NOBO). I learned that one of them had Thru hiked over the Spring and Summer but was unable to finish. He’d convinced his friend to tag along as he tried to fill in the gaps he’d missed. After those guys, I only saw one more person - a day Hiker within 100 yards of the Damascus Town Line. So was basically alone all day - but that’s ok! Found a really cold hollow, full of snow and exuding some freaky fog (was glad I was still layered). Some tense moments in a few places: one where I almost slid down the steep mountain after slipping on a wet rock and one where I had to bushwhack through the woods to cross a creek (Feathercamp Branch) where the AT bridge was apparently washed out completely. I’d only seen the latter situation once before (NH) and both cases were due to extremely high water. The creek was uncrossable (without falling all the way in), so the muddy and ripped clothes were worth the price... Headed up the second ridge after that and was rewarded with great views of snow capped peaks to the south, Damascus to the west and a huge valley to the north. But then I got to do some switchbacks from hell (at least it was downhill...), where I basically backtracked a mile on the hill and then reversed direction again into town. Walked the last half mile or so on the Creeper Trail again and finished at Larry’s around 1430. All miles counted as new AT miles today! It started to get cold and overcast just as I reached my car - I think I got the best of mid-December weather I could expect. Decided to stay in town another night and see if I could finish the last (almost) four miles in the area. After Larry had finished mopping the floors, I checked back into the Hostel and rested for many hours (reading, surfing the Internet). Before bed, I talked with Larry about his business and trail news - no other people checked into the place and it was almost pouring all evening. More hiking tomorrow! AT Today = 14.30 miles / G.T. AT = 1277.62 miles