4/14 Easy hike into town

18.3 miles hiked today, 459.5 miles N
Damascus, VA

I seem to have great luck. It rained a lot over night but it had stopped, minus drizzle, this morning. The day was mostly spent along treed in ridgeline. The trees didn't have their leaves yet though so I still could look down to the left into the wooded valley and beyond to the mountains floating in pools of mist. To the right to the lush green flats where people have set up homes and farms. It was mostly overcast with very strong winds from the east that could blow you sideways at times. The trees produced alarming creaks a groans but they didn't break while I was watching. When the trees fall into each other the rubbing of branches can produce sounds from that of a hinge needing oil to that of someone shrieking. They all keep the ears twitchy and alert.
The air was moist and refreshing like entering a cave on a hot day.

The land has emerged from last weeks snow in shades of green again. Here the season seems to have fallen back a couple weeks with the same flowers just blooming again and sprouts pushing their way through the dirt and leaves.

I caught up with Doc Johnson and we hiked together swiftly to the VA border where we stoped to take pictures of our selves with the sign. From there it was only miles left til Damascus. The sun came out and weather warmed to near 70 I stripped down to my shorts but the wind kept my wind jacket on. We made it to town around 4PM and I popped into the offiters to get my resupply box. James sent me some awesome loot; Pemmican Bars, Snickers, hygienic goods, and a letter; and my parents hooked me up with 25 of my moms ultra rich brownies. Yum.
I checking to Daves place which turned out to be a bag disappointment. I was expecting a private room with but I found a two person room with a sleeping pad on a wooden bunk. Also they were out of soap and water in the shower. At least my roommate was Bowser.
Everyone was in town but I spent most of the night on my own trying to finish my book. Hell Bender is from around here and was having a big party but the promise of fried chicken caused me to decline. :( I hear it was a big blast but I wanted something other than side dishes and beer for dinner. That is probably good as I am feeling under the weather. We all seem to have the same cold and I hoping a easy night with lots of sleep may help me recover along with being easy on the heel.