Busy weekend for Thru-hikers and TransAmers

I had the opportunity to stretch my legs on the new bike this week, and to get in some hiking on the AT.  The family decided to return to Damascus, VA to take in the Virginia Creeper Trail this Thursday -Saturday.  We got in 72 miles on the bike (it was rainy early in the morning on Friday, so we took most of the day off to let the trail dry up and just hiked around with the dog).  

We did however, meet a number of interesting people on this trip.  Late-April/early-May is the best time to be in Damascus and meet AT thru-hikers.  Did you know that hikers have trail names?  So instead of meeting Paul and Brian, I met Skink and Red Beard.  It is sometimes given to you by other hikers, but some people give themselves the names.  What would your trail name be if you had one?  I also learned that Damascus is about 450 miles into the AT, so most hikers cant get here much earlier than mid-April, due to winter-weather and that you need to start at the southern end.

One couple that we met were already 3 weeks into their trip.  A trip that will take them 3-4 months to complete.  Their first stop when they got into town was the post-office.  I didn't know that you can mail packages to people to have them picked up along the route.  They had received 3 packages, one from each of their mothers and one from a grandmother.  The packages were filled with comfort food and little notes of encouragement.

One thing I have to say is that if you are the adventurous type.  Take some time off, especially with the still recovering job market, and have an adventure.  Even if you cant take the whole summer off to hike or tour Europe, take a month and go do something you've never done, or would love to do more of.

One inspiring individual we met on the trip was an Australian gentleman named Sholto.  Sholto is attempting (and will succeed) the TransAm.  The TransAm is not a car, it is the Trans American trail, which is a bike route (mostly on backroads) that goes from Yorktown, VA to Portland, OR.  He was staying at the same hostel/B&B that we were.  He has a road journal at the crazyguyonabike site that anyone can read and follow his progress here. 

 

I did crash my bike, this seems to happening more often lately.  I am fine, just grated my right shin, which is already on the mend.  I just wish we could have stayed longer, but work is a calling, and we both had to get back to reality.  I'm excited to spend some more time on the Salem Creek trail.