Isaiah 43 - 66 (including my trail name inspired verse - 43:19)
Broken Fiddle Hostel to Lost Mountain Shelter campsite - 15.7 miles hiked - 486.7 total AT miles hiked to date.
The morning started early, as mornings in a bunkhouse tend to do, with the first stirrings around 6 am. The powerful thunderstorms overnight had blown through and the dawn broke clear once again. By 6:40, we were up and dressed, and Rick was ready to strike out on the mile or so walk across town to the Food City to complete his resupply. I joined him for the 20 minute jaunt, arriving just after the store opened at 7.
After picking up what we were missing (and then some), we headed back through town. I’d upgraded my two 750 ml Smartwater bottles with 1 liter ones, as it was apparent that water sources were going to be more scarce over the next 70 miles or so, and I wanted to ensure that I had enough capacity.
We passed the Damascus Diner just as they were opening for breakfast, so decided to stop for one more hot meal before hitting the trail. I had the breakfast burrito and it was very good. We planned to get going by 10 or so, and we’re headed back to the hostel at 8:30.
As we passed the First Baptist Church of Damascus, there was an usher on the steps holding bulletins. He said that the service was just starting. Rick wanted to get his food and gear packed, so he headed on and I stayed for the service. The church was small, with about 80 worshippers, all properly masked and spaced out in alternate pews. I had my official AT mask on, and was warmly welcomed. The music was just starting and was led by a very good singer on an acoustic guitar. They played three songs that were among my favorites including Come Thou Font, the Blessing, and the Goodness of God. This was followed by heartfelt prayers and an inspiring sermon from Exodus by the pastor setting the stage for the story of Moses. I guess I didn’t realize how much I missed being in church while I’ve been out on the trail, as I felt the presence of God strongly in that little sanctuary, much like I had many times while on the trail. After the service I thanked the pastor for his message and walked the 1/2 block back to the hostel.
Rick was packed up by then, so I grabbed my pack and we were on the move by 10, planning on hiking 15+ miles before the end of the day. The trail took us through the rest of the town and out to the woods again. We spent the next few miles climbing over Iron Mountain, and the sharing the trail with the Creeper bike trail that Rick had ridden yesterday. It was interesting see bike riders sailing down the trail that we were struggling to climb. Some great views of the Laurel river and scenic byways as the day progressed.
We finally left the Creeper behind and climbed up Lost Mountain to our ultimate destination at the shelter. We were pleased to see that unlike North Carolina and Tennessee, shelters in Virginia had both privys (yay) and bear boxes. These boxes allow us to secure our food in a locked box and not have to wrestle with hanging a bear bag. After setting up camp and eating dinner, we packed our food into the box and called it a night. Tomorrow we face an early 4 mile climb up Whitetop Mountain to Buzzard Rock, a locally famous vista with 360 degree views. We’ll be gaining over 2000 feet of elevation in that section alone, making for a strenuous morning. Ultimately we hope to cover 12 miles tomorrow as we scale the regions tallest mountain, Mt. Rogers, in the afternoon.
Until next time...
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