 |
| April 26 Cutting The Haul Some Slack Paul made a very quick call on Wednesday, April 25th as his calling card minutes were ready to expire. He left a message at 1:30pm from Atkins, Virginia and planned to keep moving on for the rest of the afternoon. He did take last Friday off from the trail in Damascus, but grew tired of the town and seemed frustrated with himself as he spent two nights in the trailside town. Friday was reported as a fun night in Damascus. The Athens Boys and several other hikers got a campfire going in a nice spot next to a river, and everyone had a night similar to the way I am used to camping. Hanging out, drinking some cold beers and toasting marshmellows, weekend warrior style, having an abundance of supplies readily availiable. The consequences of this party night is what Paul regrets about his visit to Damascus. Paul engaged in his first slackpacking miles of the AT on Saturday. Slackpacking is when hikers have their supplies and packs delivered for them by a car, to alleviate the hardships of lugging gear on the trail. When Paul woke from his slumber on Saturday morning, he and the group of hikers around him were feeling the effects of a late night. Eric and Leaf were so hungover that they decided not to hike, and Clarke had arranged to get a ride to a spot on the AT 17 miles north so he could hike these 17 miles back to Damascus, southbound. He would get another ride back to the same spot Sunday, and hike northbound again. When he asked if anyone wanted to join him, Paul agreed. Paul said that he felt strange hiking the AT without his pack, and even stranger when he would hike past other thru-hikers that he knew, going the wrong direction. They made their way back to Damascus hiking the 17 miles in short time, and even jogged some of the way. Paul spent another evening in Damascus, and came to the conclusion that his days of slackpacking were over, and short lived. Paul said that he would not have another zero day for a while either. Paul had his next maildrop sent to him, but requested only a fresh pair of socks, his cd player, and a half dozen cds. No food this time. he says it is a waste of postage. I am sorry to say that I do not have more specific details, as this report was left on voice mail, but Paul will be calling again when he reaches Pearisburg. I expect this to be early next week. Todd |
|
 |