Day 51: Formula One Pitstop

Starting Point: Dispersed Camp Site (468.8)

Ending Point: Dispersed Camp Site (476.8)

Total miles: 8.0 miles

Steps: 22,529

Injuries: Intercostal Strain

Achievements: Damascus 

Today was a memorial day.  We woke up.

Let me stop there.  I keep saying we, but I haven't explained who we is.  I'm currently hiking with the last of the original Backstop Boys, the Sweeper.  I've also been hiking with Captain Blogger.  Finally, I'm hiking with Kea, who is originally from New Zealand.  I'll try and do better about that.  The concept of HYOH (hike your own hike) makes tramily (trail family) something more like a VH1 special, but that is the way it works.

We woke up to make it to Damascus by 8:00 a.m.  That was when the pitstop started.

8:00 a.m. - The Damascus Diner for breakfast.  Grits, Biscuits and Gravy, three eggs over easy, four sausages, breakfast potatoes, and endless cups of coffee while charging our phones.

9:00 a.m. - The Outfitter to buy new shorts and underwear, because the old ones no longer fit.  Also picked up electrolytes.

10:00 a.m. - Walk to the grocery store for four days of resupply.

11:00 a m. - Walk to the AT visitor center.  Break down food into my food bag.

12:00 p.m. - Walk to a local hostel for a $5 laundry and shower.  Wait for clothes.

2:00 p.m. - Walk to local wing restaurant for lunch.  An older couple asks if we are hiking the AT.  They pay for our lunches.

3:00 p.m  - Hit the trail out.  Hike six miles.

6:00 p.m. - Another older couple walking comes by.  Asks us if we are hiking the AT.  Gives us $40 and tells up to get pizza in Marion on them.

Not making this up.  Captain Blogger and I enjoyed a campfire with Duck and Ranger.

It was great to share stories with others.  It was a good day!