Damacus, VA -Trip Miles 461.1

Crossed the TN/VA border - did 10 miles into Damacus. (Patches and Chipmunk did 10 miles in 3 hrs) Last 3 days in TN was rain. Nice weather - not cold - since it is warmer and rainy the bugs are trying to eat us up. Damacus is geared to hikers - small town - people are friendly and helpful. We were lucky to get last bunk in the bunk room and double bed at Hikers Inn - owned and run by Suzanne - very nice lady - she quilts, knits, spins yarn, weaves - also has organic garden. Crazy Lady was privileged to sleep in bunk house with 3 younger men, 1 grumpy older man and 2 dogs. More dogs on trail than usual - big dogs (that carry their own food pack). Hard for hikers to get place to stay with dogs. Second night in bunk room stayed with 3 older men (not to grumpy) and 1 young man with a dog. Chipmunk's boots has torn loose on one side- she needs new boots bad! Crazy Lady sewed her boot up, hopefully it will last a few more miles and as back up boots until she gets new ones broke in.



Damacus has very nice 1 lb. hamburgers - good coffee shop - good omelets - fudge shop (we ate to much). Poppins ate 5 lb hamburger. We supported Damacus very good - nice town.



Left May 5 at 1:30 PM with stuffed back packs and new boots. Hiked 9.4 miles to Saunders Shelter (470.5 miles) - nice clean shelter, privy. (Just the 3 of us stayed in the shelter) It rained most of the time - tried to keep tent dry - very heavy when wet.