Trail Days, 1/4 way, and some other updates

Good morning, folks!

It’s been since my first time going through Damascus that I’ve posted an update, and since that time, I’ve continued to hike, gone back to trail days, picked up my new tent, been rained on almost every day, and officially crossed the 1/4 way point of the entire trail!

After leaving Damascus, I hiked on with Solar, a friend of mine on trail, with the intention of eventually catching a shuttle back for Trail Days. We hiked 65-ish miles before catching a shuttle back for the day. It really is a huge affair; probably 20,000 hikers descend upon this little 2,500-ish person town for three days of food, revelry, free hiking gear, food, drugs (if you’re into that), and food. I neglected to take any photos while I was there, but I swear it did exist.

At trail days, a lot of gear companies show up to offer free repairs to broken gear. I submitted my tent to Big Agnes to see what they could do about my rainfly zipper. They did their best, but recommended a total replacement of the zipper, which they couldn’t do onsite. In the end, I picked up my new tent, a Zpacks Duplex, and shipped my old tent home. Shoutout to Lady Slipper, a fellow Hayward, WI thru hiker, for helping me out by shipping that stuff out for me!

Also of note since my last update, I passed through the Grayson Highlands! This was my favorite stretch of the trail so far, offering gorgeous views. The highlands are known for their population of wild ponies, of which I saw plenty.

I’ll include one disgusting photo of how one’s foot can look at the end of the day of hiking in the wet, mud, and rain. I assure you, it looked that way for only a short while after taking off my wet socks and shoes! Proper foot care is super important out here, as they are the vehicle that’s taking you everywhere you go! To that end, I’m excited to be getting some new shoes soon, as my shoes are seeing the wear that comes with almost 600 miles of hiking.

So far, the trails in Virginia have been great; well-maintained and beautiful. I’m looking forward to what the rest of the state has to offer. I’m still 140 miles away from Roanoke, where I’ll get off trail for my brother’s wedding, but I’m right on schedule to make it there for my travel plans.

That’s it for today! Chat with y’all later!