5/19/01
Trail days in Damascus, VA was everything I expected and more for an Appalachian Trail Celebration. There were probably 10,000 people scattered throughout town visiting the park with the food vendors and gazebo area for bands to play. Another section of town by the Old Mill featured the gear manufacturers as well as a Bluegrass stage and tent city by the river. Creeper and I wandered about town after breakfast, then spent a significant amount of time at the outfitter store and with the gear manufacturer booths. We participated in the annual hiker parade through town which was loads of fun, especially with the countless water gun and water balloon fights taking place all around us. Seems the crowd watching the parade was ready to stage an attack on us hikers but we were well prepared for the water fights as well. The hiker talent show was held late this afternoon but Creeper and I headed to Quincey's for Calzones and drinks when the threatening clouds moved in over the large crowd. After dinner we walked back to the gazebo area at the park to enjoy the band and dance a little to the tunes. The night concluded back at Quincey's for more drinks and dancing where another band was playing. The highlight of the day was the "skinning" of the Rabbit. Yes, I took advantage of the free "buzz" haircuts courtesy of the Roanoke trail club. So for the first time in my life my beard is actually longer than the hair on my head. It was a terrific day spent seeing lots of other thru-hikers we know and enjoying all the festivities.
