Fontana Dam, NC to Garenflo Gap, NC

Day 2, Friday, September 29

Abington Gap Shelter to Damascus, VA, 10.0 miles

Cooool this morning. 42 degrees. I should have put on my sweatshirt last night. Awake at 7:15 AM. Cook grits for breakfast and away by 8:55 AM. It's going to be a beautiful day in spite of the cool start.

I hike the first 5.4 miles to Backbone Rock Trail by 11:15. Great pace so far. I stop at the trail junction for lunch and a rest break. The sky is blue and the breeze is soft and cool. Half way to Damascus. Nice trail so far.

I reach Damascus at 2:35 PM. I've always imagined what it must be like to hike into this trail town. I've finally made it and now I know.

I head for the hostel named "The Place". It is owned and operated as a hostel by the Methodist Church in Damascus. "The Place" is deserted. I thought I might at least run into some southbound thru-hikers. May still be a little early in the season for them. A hot shower and a change of clothes feels great.

Tonight is AYCE fried fish night at Callies. I hope that isn't a mistake a couple of days from now deeper into the woods. I spend the next hour or so walking around town. Nobody takes much notice of me. Back to "The Place" by dark. Still basically deserted. Only one other person there. Shelter Mouse. To bed by 9:30 PM.