Damascus, VA is a large mile stone in the Appalachian Trail trek. I got here yesterday Thursday, April 16. I’m staying at the “Lazy Fox Inn”, with Miss Jenny. It’s expensive but I need a place to soak and rest my buggered feet. Yesterday, I bought a new set of trail light weight boots. I’m hoping they’ll make some difference to my walking ability. They’re called “Obōz”. Never heard of them, but it’s time for a change. Trying new insoles too. ” Super-feet” come highly recommended, and I’m ready to try anything that might help.
Got grub last night and soaked my feet for hours in Epsom salts.
Met two Québécois yesterday as they flew by me. Two young guy, 20 year old. One from Montreal and one from Rimouski. They are saying that they are going to do the whole International Appalachain Trail ending near Percé Rock, Quebec. The fellow at the outfitter where I bought my new footwear said that they came in the store, and it looked like they were pushing too hard. He said “Those boys are starving themselves. You can’t whack out 20 to 25 mile days for weeks without stopping. The trail will bite them sooner or later. They’ll learn.” They started March 22, and they’re already passed Damascus. Time will tell.
A couple hours after the Québécois passed me another fellow flew by me. He took the earbuds out long enough for me to learn that he was from Indianapolis, and his trail name was “Numbers”. I said “You must be an engineer.” He said “Yup, and I need to keep going to catch two guys from Quebec.” He was going so fast he needed goggles, and a flashing strobe light.
Nothing new to report other than it seems like the coyote population in this area is exploding. I’ve never heard so many, so vocal, so close to me night after night.
The grass is green, the trees are leaved out on the low ground, and the rain keeps coming. Think I’m in need of a haircut!
Hope AT&T will start to perform better soon.
Best to all,
Long Stride
Light heart, easy pace.