Shuttle from Damascus to I40

[papa john]

I am setting up a last minute trip for next week and need advice on the best way to handle getting from point a to point b.

I want to start at I40 by Davenport Gap and hike up to Damascus. Conventional planning would have me drive to Damascus and get a ride back down to I40 and hike back to the car. This is a long way however and am not sure there are any shuttlers that would do this.

Another option would be to drive to Erwin, get a ride back to I40, hike to Damascus and then get a ride back to Erwin.

Can anyone come up with any other options? I have the list of shuttlers from the ATCONF and will start to contact them tomorrow. Anyone know of any other way to get from Damascus to I40?

[papa john]

Well after lots of phone calls and email, I finally have a plan worked out. I will leave the car at SBF, hike to Damascus, get a shuttle to the bus station in Bristol, TN, ride the dog to Morristown, TN where I have arranged another shuttle to take me back to SBF.

In all the time I've been hiking the trail, I've not ever had this much trouble getting shuttles setup. I hope this isn't indicative of the way it will be in VA!

[Jack Tarlin]

Alternate plan:

Lone Wolf, who lives in Damascus, may well be available to take you from Damascus to Erwin. (Or get a shutle from Mt. Rogers Outfitter).

From there, Miss Janet could take you back to your car at Standing Bear Farm. She likes the place very much and might enjoy the trip.

[papa john]

I thought about doing that, it would be a lot faster than the bus! 3 hours from Bristol to Morristown.