Last year I hiked from Georgia to Maine, and had the wonderful opportunity to attend Trails Days in Damascus Virginia for the first time. This year me and two friends loaded up glamping style and drove five hours to Trail Days so that I could have a mini reunion and so that they could experience it in all its glory with me.
The view out of my window during the drive.
Beauty Spot
Located on the TN/NC border along the Appalachian Trail and is accessible by car.
White Blazes never fail to excite me, it means that I am back home.
Two current thru hikers taking in the vista.
My two friends I brought up from Georgia, Matt, Cassie & me.
The group of thru hikers we gave some cold beer too, I think its safe to say they liked us.
The not so authentic Mexican restaurant we ate at, complete with ketchup and sweet & low on every table.
My first attempts of photographing the night sky.
Shady Valley, The only wheelchair accessible mile of the AT!
Mullein can be used in a tea or smoked and is good for your lungs and respiratory problems. Also is super fuzzy and would make some great backcountry toilet paper.
This is Scuba Steve, he is a current thru hiker and we gave him a ride to Trail Days.
Dryad's Saddle Mushroom.
Blue Swallowtail Butterfly.
Parks is an amazing human & I am so glad that I got to camp with him at Trail Days.
A hiker carrying Ms.Mary (a trail angel located in PA) into tent city.
Ms. Janets famous van outside of Dollar General, with all of the hikers trying to get her attention.
I don't remember this hiker name but he was fascinating. He hiked with a violin, scuba goggles & a stick the width of a small tree.
The owners of Four Pines Hostel.
Vendors repairing gear.
They called this guy "The Oracle"
One of my favorite photographs taken at trails days..
Rob Bird.
Muddy walk ways.
giggles giggles giggles.
Cyclopes.
Reflections of the sky in the muddy walkway.
The pile of wood for the bonfire.
The above & below picture is of Jewel Weed, AKA natures cure for Poison Ivy. The roots always have a red tone to them. If you encounter Poison Ivy, go locate some Jewel Weed, crush it between your hands (leaves & stalk - the stalk is succulent based) & rub it on the contacted areas before the rash occurs and then no rash will occur.
My adventure waterproof camera bag.
The bones of a deer.
Reishi Mushroom
Good for immune enhancement.
Woods Ear Mushroom.
The Four Pines Wedding.
Slow Ride.
My friends are awesome.
The bonfire & drum circle held on Friday & Saturday.
The Hiker Parade.
All of the current and past thru hikers line up according to year & march through Damascus.
Palomino & Rougaroo
Skipper.
I need that button...
Keychain & me, I summited Katahdin with this girl.
Rocky Mountain High.
Class of 2015!
Matthew Odie Norman - the creator of the Hiker Yearbook giving one of the best and most powerful speeches i've ever had the pleasure of being present for.
AWOL - the creator of the best AT guide book around.
Zach Davis (the author of Appalachian Trials) & me.
My silly face is due to the fact that The Real Hiking Viking agreed to take goofy photographs with me! :D
Riding in the back of a pickup like the good ole days of hitching.
Tent City.
The current thru hiker that recognized me by name from my blog!
Happy Trails
-Ciao-
