Day 40-47 Erwin to Damascus

Felt great after all the off days! Between the rest and the terrain, I've been able to crank out some big mile days. 17.5, 16.8, 15.8 24.4, 22.7, and then an easy 10 miles into Damascus.  Today is my day off.  By far the prettiest section I've hiked thus far!  I'm looking forward to Virginias Greyson Highlands.  There are wild ponies waiting up there somewhere.  Here are some photos.  They don't do a whole lot of justice.  You need to see these places for yourself!  Isn't that right Uncle Deadwood?

         The Shire is in Tennessee.

                    Walrus face

  Bob Peoples working out a switchback.

Going up Roan Mt.  That pole is 5" deep!

I was pissed when I saw this! "You can drive up here!" It took me three hours to get there!!!

Highest shelter on the trail. 6194 ft.  The temp dropped to about 25 that night.  Even with four walls I didn't sleep very well.  And I'm pretty sure Christy Brinkley was there too.

The view walking away from Roan high knob shelter.  More of the Shire!

That drawing pretty much sums up a thru hiker.

   More of the Shire.

Old barn turned into a shelter

      Best privy on the trail so far.  Had a great view!

  Going up?  And that wasn't even the top!

    I don't know what to say here.  Rock n Roll baby!!!

Mountain Harbour Hostel.  Great place!!  That's Tetley settling in.  He reminds me of David the Gnome.  His beard is longer than his long hair.

Grilling Memorial weekend with the Princess posse.

        Ambrosia.

       Best $10 breakfast EVER.  We all expected pancakes and what have you.  This woman needs to have a spread in Southern Living Magazine!  And she's so sweet to boot!

  What shall I name this waterfall?

  Princess posse and then some. Half of them were sick or hurt.

  That's Bob Peoples on the right.  He's a trail angel to say the least.  $5 donation to stay at his place Kincora.  He has a Chuck Norris mythology going for him.

Trail magic at its best!  Ice cold Gatorade, soda pop, doughnuts, little debbies, shoelaces and more!

  

Going though a cow pasture.  That post with the white blaze?  Yea that's the trail.

Looked away at the last second.  Thought there was a stampede! There wasn't.

   Just another boarder crossing.  Entered VA at 463.2 miles.

  Coming out of the woods in someone's back yard.

     Going into Damascus.