Trail Days

We waited for our ride in front of the Iron Horse until about 1:00. Big Red showed up in his sedan, and we crammed six people and all of their camping gear into that one car. It was a two hour drive, and not completely comfortable, but we made it.

Damascus, VA was PACKED with hikers. The camping area for the hikers felt like one giant zoo. You had to pay to get in ("donations" to help with costs) and you could wander around and gawk at the amazement around you. Vendors were set up on the other end of town, but there were a few at the park to help the hikers with gear. Otherwise, all of the tents were the hikers. We wandered over to Billville, where we knew Jester would be, and there in the middle was a giant orange geodesic dome tent with another large tent set up right against it. This would be the party tent for the late night gathering. And the nights were laaaate. We heard a drum circle going on for hours, at least until 3:00 in the morning.

Alcohol was not allowed to be consumed in an open container, so everyone was walking around with nalgenes full of beer and whatever else. The police were patrolling the area, and would ticket anyone holding an open beer can. They certainly hauled off a few people, for being too drunk in public or for drinking underage. With that many people crammed into one spot, they wanted to make sure nothing too drastic happened.

As is the Billville tradition, a Useless Gear Contest was held Saturday evening, where hikers could enter, well, their useless gear. One of the entries was none other than the Bad Wizard, the same one we hiked with last year on the PCT. And wouldn't you know it? Jester presented us with it to carry all the way to Katahdin! 4.25 pounds of bronze that we can't really use.

The hitch back to Hot Springs was easy. Don't Panic went to make a sign while Wing It finished packing, and someone looked over his shoulder and asked where we were headed. He told him, and they said hop in, they were headed that way. We got a two hour ride and a bit of info about the trail coming up. All in all a good deal.