Damascus today, Tennessee tomorrow!

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Last night’s stay at Saunder’s Shelter.  Didn’t want to put away a cold wet tent.  Temps dropped into the low 20’s overnight and shared a space meant for 6 with 7.  Tight squeeze, but stayed warm!

Damascus – A trail town to be sure!  Today’s hike in was cold and windy….but the town was welcoming and inviting.  We hiked into town and stopped at Mojo’s Cafe/Coffee House for lunch.  Greyhound had breakfast and got loaded up with chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, fried potatoes with onions & peppers.  Shrek got a grilled cheese with bacon & tomato and Chopper got a Western Reuben, 2 hot chocolates and a peach/mango/banana smoothie (doesn’t the dummy know it’s COLD OUTSIDE?).

We hiked another 1 1/2 miles to the south side of town where we checked in at WOODCHUCK’S Hostel.  It’s an older house made into a Hostel with an owner who thru-hike himself 4 years ago.  He’s from Montana and bought the house and converted it.  Really good Hostel.  He runs it Feb. – Nov. and returns to Montana in hiker off-season.  339.2 miles completed at the end of week 4.  We anticipate hitting the 1/2 way point of our southern sojourn!

Tomorrow we have our most ambitious hike into Tennessee (4 or so miles in).  We’re scheduled for 18.2 miles tomorrow, 14.2 Monday, and 15.6 Tuesday with another 18+ Wednesday and an 8-9 miler Thursday going into a Hostel near Roan Mtn., Tenn.  That’s also package pick-up day (thanks TAM).

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The wild ponies of the Grayson Highlands.

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Blizzard conditions on top of Mt. Rogers 2 days ago.

Today’s hike is History, tomorrow’s hike a Mystery.  Right now is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present!

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Comments 7

  • Mike and karem : Apr 9th

    That is fantastic

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Apr 10th

      It is and was that;). The funny blog is the next one, the trail picks your name…check it out! We’re looking forward to seeing you guys in a couple months!!

      Reply
  • Duke Conrad : Apr 10th

    It certainly was a great experience! We’re getting ready for breakfast and an 18 miler into Tennessee today. We’re also looking forward to seeing you guys early this summer;)

    Reply
  • Kathy Conrad : Apr 10th

    It’s so exciting that you enter Tennessee later today! Woo hoo! You guys are very impressive persevering in the rugged terrain and winter weather! It will warm up soon! We had snow this week but we had warm beds and homes to retreat. We’re following your every blog, emails from Bobbi, Gwen and Mary. We love the updates! We’re so proud of you three! Keep up the great progress!

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Apr 10th

      Thanks for the encouraging words Sis! Today we did 18.2, which included our hike into Tennessee from Damascus. Great breakfast, trail magic late in the day and now beddy bye time. It’s 7:36 and “hiker midnight” is 8:00;)

      Reply
  • Teresa : Apr 10th

    I know it was cold and not pleasant as far as the hiking goes but what beauty! You all are staying so strong and we are so proud of you. We love our hikers. Godspeed!

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Apr 10th

      Thanks Teresa, it helps us all when I read your comments to the group. It’s our 1 way of staying in touch with all the folks following our progress! BTW, About 4-5 miles into our hike tomorrow, there’s more trail magic supplied by a church group of young girls who stock it and maintain it in a “bear box”. Sodas , water and stuff like Little Debbie’s…….can’t wait;)

      Chopper

      Reply

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