Journal Entries

Gearing up to go. Let's get out of here.

Day 48 - Trail Days in Damascus, VA

0 miles

My parents arrived today to hike with us for 2 weeks. I helped them sort through their gear to figure out what they should pack and what they should leave in their car.

The highlight of the day and our time here was celebrating Padawan's 15th birthday one week early at the Hyperlite Mountain Gear booth. How do you celebrate a birthday while thru-hiking? Well, this is one way to do it. Invite all your trail friends to share a celebratory birthday cake at the largest gathering on the AT.

I haven't particularly liked being at Trail Days. Getting sick set me off for sure but I'm just tired of the whole "hiker scene" here. Our time here felt like my worst days on the trail.

I'm happy to see my parents but I'm anxious about being concerned for their wellbeing on the trail in addition to my family. They are fit but thru-hiking can be gruelling.

I hope this is true.

Queen of Trail Days? Even our our day off we're up early to get a free pancake breakfast.

Day 47 - Trail Days in Damascus, VA

0 miles

Whatever needed to so violently leave my body yesterday afternoon and evening has done so and I am on the mend.

I was mostly up and about today, walked around town with the kids, rested some in the tent, met hiker friends and new people at our camp area.

Lots of free stuff for hikers here at trail days and we are taking advantage of that also. It's amazing really that a community of people gathers around to support hikers. It's not like we're doing anything truly significant, and what we're doing is quite self-centered when you think about it. The support that exists for hikers defies logic or rational sense. I'm not complaining, just reflecting.

Sunshine and rain while we wait in line for free chili.

Tent city.

Looking through all the free goodies (toiletries in these boxes) for thru-hikers from One Way Ministries.