"Hey, Beans here!"
An early morning finishing Tennessee and now here we are...one foot still in Tennessee (virtually, of course) and the other entering Virginia.
And man, is it beautiful, with the sun burning off the morning mist.
This is the largest part of the Appalachian Trail. 544 miles pass through Virginia. To put it in perspective...in real hike time this state would take more than a month to thru-hike.
Even in virtual time it is going to take us a while.
The terrain is unpredictable. From strenuous ups and downs and mountain ridges to the rolling hills and farmland of the Shenandoah Valley. There are wild ponies, waterfalls, and even another amazing oak tree promised further up.
From the state line we are roughly 3 miles from Damascus where we will be staying for tonight.
Damascus is home to the Trail Days Celebration.
Yeah...it is usually in May...but once again this is Virtual...so yes...we will be joining the Trail Days Festival.
Maybe tomorrow.
This past May, two hikers were killed near here, when a man wielding a machete attacked them.
(..virtually...you stand almost no chance, of course...unless you experience a break in while reading this...)
Still, some people will feel safer bringing some form of personal protection...so read up on the laws of the states you will be passing through...in order to be safe and legal.
Trail mile 466 enters Virginia.
A Hike to Damascus (BEST)
https://youtu.be/q9VSxgvqPaA
The Trail to Damascus with "Loner"
https://youtu.be/ynrbbY_Iv_o
Damascus is an important stop along the AT. Hostels, outfitters and restaurants are plentiful and the town is the Sturgis ND of the hiking trail set.
Thousands crowd here to make Trail Days every year. Without the Harleys.
(...another perk to Virtual Travel...no insane crowds...)
Damascus VA
https://youtu.be/qw9vSYL21T8
Love,
"Beans"
