Into Damascus, VA

Sat 16 April Day 36
You should have seen the roof on last nights shelter - I am glad it withstood the 65mph winds and rain we had during the night!!

This morning wasn't so bad and the rain subsided, plus we only had 6.1 miles to do to get to the Kincora Hostel. We all cruised in within 2 hrs and were greatly appreciative of the shower, laundry and food. Bob Peoples is a wonderful man who has provided a great facility on the trail.

Our group of 5 hung out, ate food, caught up with other hikers who were leaving, and played the AT Hiker game before our shuttle to Elizabethton for dinner and groceries. A day to totally chill out.

Dinner was was the first AYCE (all you can eat) place I have been to so far. It was delicious Chinese and cost only $7.92. Awesome.

More hikers had turned up at Kincora by the time we got back and it was a laughter-filled night spent chatting (hanging out on the sofas and lazy-boy chairs). Note to potential hikers though - be considerate when taking off your boots. You may think your feet don't smell but that might not be the case- (one terrible pair of hiker shoes experienced by everyone tonight)!

Sun 17 Apr Day 37
Great nights sleep at the hostel. Up early to get a good start on the 17.4mi day. The laurel falls were really nice and the trail threw me a curve ball - the blaze was right on the rivers edge and the path went around the rocks. It was awesome.

Then came the hill (the first of many) that went up then back down - it took me an hour and a half to complete it over to Watauga Lake. Then we crossed the dam to the lake and up more hills - yippee (sarcastic tone). But we got to the Vandeventer Shelter which has amazing views and settled into the normal "shelter" routine. Snack comes first, then water (which was miles away downhill), setting up beds, cooking dinner, privy run then into bed. It is so early the sun is setting and it's getting in our eyes. Oh the things to complain about :)

Dinner was mashed potatoes with stuffing and gravy mix - yum! Tasty. Heading into a 22+ mile day tomorrow. Let's hope it's a good one.

- posted by enzed :)