Trail Days Festival

Damascus, Virginia is home of the annual "Trail Days" Festival since 1987 when a hiker decided to create a festival to honor the 50th anniversary of the existence of the Appalachian Trail. Damascus is often referred to as the friendliest town on the trail for various reasons. The town folks are very receptive of hikers and many churches provide transportation, lodging, and food throughout the thru-hiker season. But all of this is nil compared to the hospitality shown to hikers during "Trail Days". Megan and myself, along with many other hikers have been in town since Thursday night. We have had at least 3 free meals provided by churches, and other organizations. Our lodging is costing us $4 a night to stay in a bunkhouse behind the Damascus Methodist Church. There are vendors and gear manufacturers set up in town that will provide free advice, maintenance, and repairs for a variety of backpacking gear. I've had a free massage, blood and blood pressure test, % body fat test, and ice cream sundae. I love this town.

Today was the annual hiker parade. All of the thru-hikers, past and present, lined up according to the year that they thru-hiked and marched through town. The locals lined the streets with water balloons, water hoses, and super soakers to drench us as we walked. Sounds mean, doesn't it? The hikers didn't come unprepared, however. We also armed ourselves with stuff sacks and food sacks filled with water balloons and water grenades. We carried super soakers and other various water guns to fight back. What a fun walk. No one stayed dry, and after all of this rain this past month, not one person complained about the sogginess of their attire.

Tomorrow we hike onward toward Pearisburg, Virginia. Hoping to arrive sometime late this week.