5/18/01
Hip and I got an early start this morning. We were up by 6:30 a.m. and on the trail before 7 a.m. It was raining when we left the warm dry shelter and we had no view when we crested McAfee Knob, known for its magnificent views. We pressed on to Campbell shelter for lunch then ascended to Tinker Cliffs. Hip did a good job handling the cliffs and we were blessed with a break in the weather which allowed a great view into the valley floor below. The next 7 miles into Daleville were grueling and tortuous, with the trail taking us over, up, and down every rock face on the ridgeline. I arrived at the road at the Daleville, VA crossing at 3:40, then hustled down the highway 1.3 miles to the Daleville post office for my food drop. Then I hiked the 1.3 miles back to the trail crossing and went to the motel to see if Hip had checked in yet. Just as I was waiting in the lobby to talk with the front desk clerk, Creeper arrived. We found Hip in his room, where I took a shower. Then Creeper and I left Hip behind after a quick trip to Kroger for groceries and beverages. The 100 mile trip to Damascus flew by as Creeper and I caught up on all the trail talk. We stopped at the Dairy Queen for my milkshake fix and I polished off some malt beverages and a bag of potato chips as well. After reaching Damascus we drove through town to find a suitable tentsite. The town was full of people and the festive atmosphere was in full swing. We settled on tenting in the yard next to "The Place' hostel along with 30 to 40 tents already erected there. We walked all over town then finally stopped at Dot's for a late dinner and drinks. It was great to be in Damascus for Trail Days Celebration and the fun was just beginning. Today's stats; low 52 degrees, high 70. Rain a.m., partly cloudy p.m. Today's mileage: 17.6; cumulative 709.3.
