View Full Version : Damascus - best damn trail town in the country!
camojack
03-15-2008, 10:03
It says so right on page 77 in the April 2008 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/).
I know a lot of folks who would agree; a number of them are there right now... :D
StarLyte
03-15-2008, 10:51
Hey Camo, I can't find that article, when I did a search on Damascus VA on the site, it took me to Trail Days.
KevinAce
03-15-2008, 12:48
It is a great little town. I was down there last weekend for my first taste of the AT. I heard the creeper trail is pretty cool as well (you can rent bikes, be dropped off at a high altitude and ride them down). The city itself was quaint and enjoyable!
Thanks for letting me know Camo! I usually don't grab that mag due to the fact that it it's typically one big travel ad......but I think that this is the greatest little trail town ever too!
Thanks for letting me know Camo! I usually don't grab that mag due to the fact that it it's typically one big travel ad......but I think that this is the greatest little trail town ever too!
I can't find the mag now but it's not much of a story. Just a couple lines at most.
kayak karl
03-15-2008, 14:20
Do they know LW lives there?
Lone Wolf
03-15-2008, 14:22
Do they know LW lives there?
the biggest bigot hatemonger in town
Jan LiteShoe
03-15-2008, 14:24
the biggest bigot hatemonger in town
Don't forget cross-dresser...and pack-sniffer
Need I insert the ;-) ???
Do they know LW lives there?
Probably why they didn't spend much time there researching the article! :D
billyboy
03-15-2008, 18:33
It is a great little town. I was down there last weekend for my first taste of the AT. I heard the creeper trail is pretty cool as well (you can rent bikes, be dropped off at a high altitude and ride them down). The city itself was quaint and enjoyable!
Yep! Even as a backpacker, I try to mountain-bike the Creeper Trail at least once a year. I go from Damascus to White-Top & back the first day, and Damascus to Abington and back the second day. A yearly tradition. I love the place:banana
camojack
03-15-2008, 19:39
Hey Camo, I can't find that article, when I did a search on Damascus VA on the site, it took me to Trail Days.
It probably won't be on their website until next month.
Thanks for letting me know Camo! I usually don't grab that mag due to the fact that it it's typically one big travel ad......but I think that this is the greatest little trail town ever too!
No problem; there are a lot of ads, but that's how they pay their bills. Subscriptions like mine only cover the postage.
I can't find the mag now but it's not much of a story. Just a couple lines at most.
True dat.
Do they know LW lives there?
The residents are part of what makes it the "best damn trail town in the country!"
Yep! Even as a backpacker, I try to mountain-bike the Creeper Trail at least once a year. I go from Damascus to White-Top & back the first day, and Damascus to Abington and back the second day. A yearly tradition. I love the place:banana
I usually bring my mountain bike to Trail Daze and ride on the Creeper Trail too...unless I ride the Harley, that is.
(And since it always rains that weekend, I usually don't...)
fiddlehead
03-15-2008, 23:48
Damascus would probably get my vote for the AT. (Hanover would've, back in the day when some of the fraternity's would open there doors to hikers,)
East Glacier, MT for the CDT
Seiad Valley (at least back in '96 when the bar was hoppin) on the PCT.
Of course, things change every year. New restaurants, bars, hostels, doors open and close all the time. But Damascus has a lot that's been there a long time. (I remember "the place" back in '77)
Ron Haven
03-15-2008, 23:59
It probably won't be on their website until next month.
No problem; there are a lot of ads, but that's how they pay their bills. Subscriptions like mine only cover the postage.
True dat.
The residents are part of what makes it the "best damn trail town in the country!"
I usually bring my mountain bike to Trail Daze and ride on the Creeper Trail too...unless I ride the Harley, that is.
(And since it always rains that weekend, I usually don't...)I like Damascus too!
I
I usually bring my mountain bike to Trail Daze and ride on the Creeper Trail too...unless I ride the Harley, that is.
(And since it always rains that weekend, I usually don't...)
Don't you dare bring your mtn bike to D-town and go ride on the Creeper with the rest of the rubes. There are hundreds of miles of bike trails within 1 hour's drive, 75% of which can be ridden from out of town. Mountain singletrack, no ****.:sun
camojack
03-16-2008, 04:48
Don't you dare bring your mtn bike to D-town and go ride on the Creeper with the rest of the rubes. There are hundreds of miles of bike trails within 1 hour's drive, 75% of which can be ridden from out of town. Mountain singletrack, no ****.:sun
Why not? :confused: I am one of the "rubes", I reckon. :D
Anyway, my Trek is barely a mountain bike; it's bottom of the line... :(
I has certainly perked my interest more than any other trail town I have heard of. I think it is the name as much as anything else. It is most certainly a great trail town name, the road to Damascus and all that.
I hike to Blow me Down in Newfoundland, and it's a great name and a great place but not what I would say a great trail town name. "The road to Blow me Down" or "The road to Come By Chance" or "The Road to Conception Bay" just don't seem to work.
Any other great trail names on the AT, just the names themselves I mean.
Is there a town named 'Perdition' anywhere's on the AT or any other trail?
D-town rules!!! However, I am a bit biased.:o
I hike to Blow me Down in Newfoundland, and it's a great name and a great place but not what I would say a great trail town name. "The road to Blow me Down" or "The road to Come By Chance" or "The Road to Conception Bay" just don't seem to work.
Any other great trail names on the AT, just the names themselves I mean.
Is there a town named 'Perdition' anywhere's on the AT or any other trail?
Does "The Road Less Travelled" do anythin forya?
max patch
03-17-2008, 16:55
Damascus is a great entry point to some excellent hiking and biking, however, I put it near the bottom of the barrel as a "trail town" inasmuch as my tent was stolen when I was there. Police told me that locals did this "all the time."
Damascus is a great entry point to some excellent hiking and biking, however, I put it near the bottom of the barrel as a "trail town" inasmuch as my tent was stolen when I was there. Police told me that locals did this "all the time."
During Trail Days? If so, it probably wasn't a local. We already have our own tents, which we stole from hikers coming thru here the year before you did:D.
max patch
03-17-2008, 17:23
During Trail Days? If so, it probably wasn't a local. We already have our own tents, which we stole from hikers coming thru here the year before you did:D.
No, I arrived in Damascus after Trail Days.
I remember a conversation sitting outside a convenience store somewhere in NC with a couple of other thrus.
Them: Wanna hitch up to Damascus?
Me: Why?
Then: Trail Days!!!
Me: Whats that?
Obviously, I hiked in the pre-internet days!
Obviously, I hiked in the pre-internet days!
Good for you! If only we could get back what's good and retain what good has come of it, without killing it and the AT along with it, we might be onto something.:-?
Damascus is a great entry point to some excellent hiking and biking, however, I put it near the bottom of the barrel as a "trail town" inasmuch as my tent was stolen when I was there. Police told me that locals did this "all the time."
Did this happen during traildays?
max patch
03-18-2008, 20:06
Did this happen during traildays?
No; traildays was long gone by the time I arrived in town.
The Weasel
03-18-2008, 20:22
I've enjoyed Damascus, in a number of ways - not just as a hiker and not just alone - over the years, including at Trail Days. But I have to say that I am becoming concerned that it is starting to sound like a less hiker oriented town, and far more judgmental year round than it once was. I"m also concerned that Trail Days is becoming not a hiker event, but a reason for a lot of drunkenness and really regrettable behavior by people that are more interested being offensive than they are in the AT and thru hiking. I hope I'm wrong, and I don't mean that TD needs to be lame or the town is a bad place, but it does sound a little like it's becoming more of a theme park than a stop along the trail, which is what a trail town really is.
Be glad to be proven wrong on this one.
TW
No; traildays was long gone by the time I arrived in town.
(Sorry, I posted the above question before I read further) I'm sorry that that happened to you, however, tent theft is rare. Most of the locals know that stinky hikers sleep in them and don't bother them. The perp could have been someone just passin' through, who knows! That being said, I had my bike stolen right off of my front porch and someone I know that lives right down the road did too. He got his back and I didn't. His perp was a local punk. There is no doubt that this town harbors undesirables, but hiker theft is usually rare, I think.
Appalachian Tater
03-18-2008, 22:09
There has been repeated discussion on this website about how bad theft from hikers is in Damascus, especially during "Trail Daze". There has also been theft from the church hostel. Hikers should not leave their packs unsecured at any time or in any town, but especially during "Trail Daze".
There has also been a car theft ring operating in Damascus and the police chief was busted by the feds for dealing drugs.
All of this just goes to show you that no place, no matter how peaceful it may appear, is perfect.
There has been repeated discussion on this website about how bad theft from hikers is in Damascus, especially during "Trail Daze". There has also been theft from the church hostel. Hikers should not leave their packs unsecured at any time or in any town, but especially during "Trail Daze".
There has also been a car theft ring operating in Damascus and the police chief was busted by the feds for dealing drugs.
All of this just goes to show you that no place, no matter how peaceful it may appear, is perfect.
I agree about the facade of peacefullness, but compared to most places Damascus is still a pretty safe town considering. And-- I think most hiker theft from what I've heard has been done by other hikers a.k.a. trail scum posing as hikers. Also, trail days invites all walks of life that aren't necessarily hikers as well.
After 25 years of driving a taxi in Fort Lauderdale/Miami area I moved to Damascus. This is a peaceful and freindly town. You have two of the best outfiters in town. Many places to stay. A supermarket and two dollar stores. Aleast 6 places to rent bikes for the Creeper trail. And if that is not enough you can call long distance for free from The Only Wonderers front porch. And the trail goes right thru town, no hitch-hiking needed. Damascus is one of the best trail towns anywhere.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2155159784_7ca14e608d.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2358/2155166366_57595e155b.jpg?v=0
Appalachian Tater
03-19-2008, 15:55
After 25 years of driving a taxi in Fort Lauderdale/Miami area I moved to Damascus. This is a peaceful and freindly town. Woah, buddy that's quite the change! Did you have any trouble adjusting to the slower pace?
Damascus is just like any town in the USA.....it has its good and its bad. You just hear about it more because 1)it's a small town, and you learn more then you would like 2) It is a town with alot of internet publicity.....this site being a major example.
The only "bike ring" I have heard about were kids taking bikes, riding them to Dairy King and leaving them.....other then that, not much since I have moved here.
But, that being said, I tend to hang with the hiker trash when I'm not working, so it's a different social circle
Hmm..I wonder how much the author got paid to write that?
I don't think Damascus is all that special. lodging and restaurants just mediocre. Yeah it's an ok place..but not the "best damn trail town.." I personally think Hot Springs had it all over Damascus, Hanover, NH is pretty good to. Erwin was mighty fine as well. Great restaurants.
It's hard to beat Hot Springs as a trail town though. You got Elmers Sunny Bank Inn, you got a fine outfitter, and damn fine eating places.
DavidNH
saimyoji
03-19-2008, 16:14
The only "bike ring" I have heard about were kids taking bikes, riding them to Dairy King and leaving them.....other then that, not much since I have moved here.
wow. you have a Dairy King? We only rate a Queen. :cool:
Appalachian Tater
03-19-2008, 16:19
Hmm..I wonder how much the author got paid to write that?
I don't think Damascus is all that special. lodging and restaurants just mediocre. Yeah it's an ok place..but not the "best damn trail town.." I personally think Hot Springs had it all over Damascus, Hanover, NH is pretty good to. Erwin was mighty fine as well. Great restaurants.
It's hard to beat Hot Springs as a trail town though. You got Elmers Sunny Bank Inn, you got a fine outfitter, and damn fine eating places.
DavidNHHot Springs would be even better with a large grocery store. I would hate to have to choose between staying at Elmer's and the Lazy Fox Inn.
I've enjoyed Damascus, in a number of ways - not just as a hiker and not just alone - over the years, including at Trail Days. But I have to say that I am becoming concerned that it is starting to sound like a less hiker oriented town, and far more judgmental year round than it once was.
Be glad to be proven wrong on this one.
TW
I simply believe you are wrong on this analysis. This town, no matter its faults IMHO is the best along the trail. I've been all over the world and this is the best place I have ever visited and now live.
There is no doubt that this town harbors undesirables, but hiker theft is usually rare, I think.
I agree, there is a whole lot more going on here in town that is directed towards the locals. Locals stealing from locals with the occasional riff raff from God knows where coming thru to help them..
All of this just goes to show you that no place, no matter how peaceful it may appear, is perfect.I really like your thought on this town, it is true.
I agree about the facade of peacefullness, but compared to most places Damascus is still a pretty safe town considering. And-- I think most hiker theft from what I've heard has been done by other hikers a.k.a. trail scum posing as hikers. Also, trail days invites all walks of life that aren't necessarily hikers as well.
And that's the truth too! When I had my outside store open Monday I seen some of the yearly trail bums, and I'm not talking about Lumpy either. I have been here for two years and these guys were hanging out when I first arrived then they were gone. Then they were were here before, during, and after Trail Days last year. Then they were gone. And now here they are again.
There is this one guy who hitch hikes along the trail hardly ever setting foot on it that came by and said "I'm looking for Larry, I heard he can help me find work?" I said "I'm Larry and you know darn well who I am and I cannot help you." But I did ask him if he was hungry, but he dicided to get mad and walk away from me.
It's hard to beat Hot Springs as a trail town though. You got Elmers Sunny Bank Inn, you got a fine outfitter, and damn fine eating places.
DavidNHI sure wish Elmers place were here.........
Hot Springs would be even better with a large grocery store. I would hate to have to choose between staying at Elmer's and the Lazy Fox Inn.in my opinion Elmers rules! And so does Frank and Brians place there in Hot Springs!
CrumbSnatcher
03-19-2008, 19:02
Damascus is great.camping down by laurel creek,next to the p.o. having a couple pitchers of beer and a pizza at Quincys
Damascus is great.camping down by laurel creek,next to the p.o. having a couple pitchers of beer and a pizza at Quincys
Dude, those days are gone. I wish Ron and Deb would open Quincy's again........
Hikerhead
03-19-2008, 22:43
There has been repeated discussion on this website about how bad theft from hikers is in Damascus, especially during "Trail Daze". There has also been theft from the church hostel. Hikers should not leave their packs unsecured at any time or in any town, but especially during "Trail Daze".
There has also been a car theft ring operating in Damascus and the police chief was busted by the feds for dealing drugs.
All of this just goes to show you that no place, no matter how peaceful it may appear, is perfect.
Speaking of the police chief...how did that end up?
To stay on subject I have enjoyed all of the times I've been to Damascus.
Dude, those days are gone. I wish Ron and Deb would open Quincy's again........
Yeah, Quincy's was a great place!!
I've always enjoyed my times in Damascus, both while hiking thru and when traveling back down to reminisce about the days of hiking!! Always felt peaceful to me there!! :sun
Gray Blazer
03-19-2008, 22:59
Speaking of the police chief...how did that end up?
To stay on subject I have enjoyed all of the times I've been to Damascus.
Sorry, but I keep getting this mental picture.....you are stopped by the police in Damascus.....the chief asks you if you have any drugs in the car....you reply , "no."..... he then asks you if you want some....:rolleyes:
CrumbSnatcher
03-19-2008, 23:00
Dude, those days are gone. I wish Ron and Deb would open Quincy's again........ you mean its not 1999 and i'm not thruhiking this year. that sucks
Hikerhead
03-19-2008, 23:57
Sorry, but I keep getting this mental picture.....you are stopped by the police in Damascus.....the chief asks you if you have any drugs in the car....you reply , "no."..... he then asks you if you want some....:rolleyes:
And he's in your car that you left at the trailhead 40 miles back. :)
Speaking of the police chief...how did that end up?
To stay on subject I have enjoyed all of the times I've been to Damascus.
Last time I heard they were piling more charges upon him, I don't think he has gone to trial yet...........
Woah, buddy that's quite the change! Did you have any trouble adjusting to the slower pace?
Not at all. Its nice to go out at night and not have to worry about getting killed by some punk gangbangers. I hope to spend many winters here in Damascus and many summers on the AT.
Lone Wolf
11-26-2008, 13:20
Dude, those days are gone. I wish Ron and Deb would open Quincy's again........
well Sicilys Pizza which is in the old Quincys building is now closed. rumor has it that a couple of chefs are gonna take it over and do pizza, wings, subs, beer, etc. should be back open by hiking season. also Damascus Eats is closing at the end of December but will reopen as River and Trails Diner sometime in February maybe
Serial 07
11-26-2008, 20:11
D-town rules!!!
hey girl!
damascus does rule...on my first trek, i stayed there 17 days (right in the middle of my hike)...got a job at the old mill (which was fun, big ups to linda and pepper)...hobo camp, the new hobo camp (big ups to dennett and mama hen), and the moonshine! can't forget the moonshine...and of course, there's dot's (big ups to my girl pam)...can't wait 'til i'm back...holla! :):):):):)
Serial 07
11-26-2008, 20:12
oh, and that lone wolf guy ain't bad neither...a little rough around the edges, but...the he's the best!
Mrs Baggins
11-26-2008, 20:14
Except that LW is a voyeur who likes to stride into the Ladies Room just to see what they're talking about......................
john gault
11-26-2008, 20:34
Except that LW is a voyeur who likes to stride into the Ladies Room just to see what they're talking about......................
All guys do that, even the "gentlemen".:)
Lone Wolf
11-27-2008, 06:46
Except that LW is a voyeur who likes to stride into the Ladies Room just to.....
....get a look at her thick, beefy dwarf calves :cool:
great trail town... would like to go when it is not so crowded though....lake city on the Ct is a cool town.
Sleepy the Arab
11-27-2008, 23:38
well Sicilys Pizza which is in the old Quincys building is now closed. rumor has it that a couple of chefs are gonna take it over and do pizza, wings, subs, beer, etc. should be back open by hiking season. also Damascus Eats is closing at the end of December but will reopen as River and Trails Diner sometime in February maybe
You mean... the pizza place will once again have beer?? Woo! Can they promise the quality of the food will improve?
Will they still keep that waitress who hits on the hikers (and takes them home) around?
Lion King
11-29-2008, 15:09
Damascus is a great little place.
Hot Springs gives it a run though, and I am partial to Lincoln/N woodstock, even if it is off trail a few miles.
Hanover, never, even when they let us stay in the Frat houses in 1998. That town is WAY to damn expensive, but man, there is some nice boo-ta walking around! so theres that...
Lion King
11-29-2008, 15:10
You mean... the pizza place will once again have beer?? Woo! Can they promise the quality of the food will improve?
Will they still keep that waitress who hits on the hikers (and takes them home) around?
The hot petite Blonde who had just moved there>?
oh yeah!:D
Damascus could use a motel, and a bar that serves liquor.
Lone Wolf
11-29-2008, 15:32
Damascus could use a motel, and a bar that serves liquor.
yeah it's just awful that hikers are forced to stay in a hostel and drink just beer
Lion King
11-29-2008, 15:35
...and drink just beer
depends on who you know.:D
Serial 07
11-29-2008, 16:08
depends on who you know.:D
true...
yeah it's just awful that hikers are forced to stay in a hostel and drink just beer
Agreed. It was OK my first time through but I'm more selective now. I guess it comes with hiking trails that aren't as crowded as the AT. You get used to your privacy.
I compare staying in a hostel to staying in a shelter.
Lone Wolf
11-29-2008, 20:30
I compare staying in a hostel to staying in a shelter.
they're both stinky, dirty and crowded.
_terrapin_
11-29-2008, 20:36
they're both stinky, dirty and crowded.
I had Ironmasters Hostel to myself. I had FreeState Hiker Hostel (in MD) to myself. Neither one was stinky, dirty or crowded. I've had oodles of shelters to myself, for that matter. But maybe the exceptions prove the rule...
Lone Wolf
11-29-2008, 20:39
Ironmaster's is an AYH, Freestate is a $30 hostel. ain't the same as the usual flophouse hostels
_terrapin_
11-29-2008, 20:48
Ironmaster's is an AYH, Freestate is a $30 hostel. ain't the same as the usual flophouse hostels
Flophouse hostels... hmm, you mean, like... The Place? Agreed, i wouldn't stay there.
neighbor dave
11-29-2008, 21:14
:-?too many meth labs:-?
Damascus could use a friendly librarian, the one I met was extremely rude to me, certainly not the friendliest library on the trail.
Kirby
Never got a friendly vibe from Damascus. Nothing particularly welcoming about the town. It's convenient for hikers, that's for sure, but
"friendly", IMO, requires an extra effort or an ingrained community disposition I just don't see from the town. If Damascus wasn't the psychological marker it has come to be and it were located elsewhere on the trail I don't think it would even register in a discussion on friendliest towns.
For my money, Palmerton, Pa is the friendliest most hiker welcoming town on the AT. Hiawassee is another friendly town that comes to mind.
Blue Jay
11-30-2008, 21:50
they're both stinky, dirty and crowded.
Since when is that a problem for a Marine.:banana
Damascus could use a friendly librarian, the one I met was extremely rude to me, certainly not the friendliest library on the trail.
Kirby
Your talking about Dee, she just wanted you......that's how she acts when she is interested..........
Never got a friendly vibe from Damascus. Nothing particularly welcoming about the town. It's convenient for hikers, that's for sure, but
"friendly", IMO, requires an extra effort or an ingrained community disposition I just don't see from the town. If Damascus wasn't the psychological marker it has come to be and it were located elsewhere on the trail I don't think it would even register in a discussion on friendliest towns.
For my money, Palmerton, Pa is the friendliest most hiker welcoming town on the AT. Hiawassee is another friendly town that comes to mind.
Them thar r fightin' words yahtzee yahzoo!
Serial 07
12-01-2008, 02:39
palmerton's IGA does give you a free apple...and the library did give me a free book...and they do have a free "flop house"...that does have an indoor basketball court attached to it...come to think of it, palmerton is a pretty nice trail town...
but the small southern towns just have so much charm...
camojack
12-01-2008, 04:48
I had Ironmasters Hostel to myself. I had FreeState Hiker Hostel (in MD) to myself. Neither one was stinky, dirty or crowded. I've had oodles of shelters to myself, for that matter. But maybe the exceptions prove the rule...
Oodles? Interesting choice of lingo... :-?
Plodderman
12-01-2008, 09:57
Great place as I stayed there last year.
mtnkngxt
12-01-2008, 10:01
Damascus rocks not to mention MRO is one of the only outfitters I've been too that didnt try to sell me everything they had in stock.
Palmerton, PA deserves way more respect than it gets as a trail town, easily one of my favorite on the trail.
Kirby
camojack
12-01-2008, 21:48
Palmerton, PA deserves way more respect than it gets as a trail town, easily one of my favorite on the trail.
PA Rocks. So to speak... ;)
D-town also has a sweeet coffee shop named Mojoe's where an eccentric barista works.....
Lone Wolf
12-02-2008, 15:51
D-town also has a sweeet coffee shop named Mojoe's where an eccentric barista works.....
i hit on that broad all the time
i hit on that broad all the time
Do you get any where?
I hear she's been known to bed down with a wolf every now and again:eek:
I hear she's been known to bed down with a wolf every now and again:eek:
Kinky.
D-town also has a sweeet coffee shop named Mojoe's where an eccentric barista works.....
Wait?? I haven't worked there in a year!!!! (j/k love you and miss you gyps!!!!)
Mojoe's is a great coffee shop.
Kirby
D'Artagnan
12-04-2008, 09:53
Mojoe's is a great coffee shop.
Kirby
They have a GREAT chicken salad sandwich. Gypsy really knows her way around a ham & cheese omelet, too.
Lone Wolf
12-13-2008, 17:20
well Sicilys Pizza which is in the old Quincys building is now closed. rumor has it that a couple of chefs are gonna take it over and do pizza, wings, subs, beer, etc. should be back open by hiking season
and they're gonna re-name it Quincys Pizza
Serial 07
12-13-2008, 17:32
and they're gonna re-name it Quincys Pizza
are they hiring yet? :-?
Lion King
12-17-2008, 19:27
palmerton's IGA does give you a free apple...and the library did give me a free book...and they do have a free "flop house"...that does have an indoor basketball court attached to it...come to think of it, palmerton is a pretty nice trail town...
but the small southern towns just have so much charm...
2 words
Mug
Shots
That owner Loves hikers...free shots all night there....crazy.
mtnkngxt
01-13-2009, 18:02
Just giving a second pat on the back for Damascus. Stopped in on my way back to school today and spent almost 2 hours talking to Jeff at MRO. Got my late xmas presents for myself. WM Summerlite and a ULA Catalyst. I won't buy any more big purchases except from them, best guys in the world to deal with. Spent over an hour showing and explaining all the pros and cons and optional DIY mods that was involved with the ULA packs. Then just walked around town for awhile. Never been so at peace in my life. If theres a way I'll grow old in or around Damascus.
Damascus has something I have not seen in any other trail town. Well two things actually. Deep fried chicken livers at the gas station diner across from the laundrymat. Those things put wings on your feet and lead in your pencil. And as luck would have it and god is my witness, having just ate two orders worth and hiking up the first climb out of town , I catch up to an attractive friendly young woman who I can't help but notice is wearing see through hiking shorts! Now if Damascus is not the best damn trail town I'll kiss your ass!
A new addition to our town is the arrival of sled dogs. This January was the second year for this event, and you can see photos here:
http://www.damascus.org/ and here: http://www.damascus.org/sleddogs09.html
We're working with the Siberian Husky rescue folks to make this an annual event. Dog lovers are invited to come visit. We're also starting an annual Damascus Dog Day (http://www.damascusdogday.com/), to be held the end of April. We'll have vets around for this event for any hiker dogs in town.
The Scribe
01-19-2009, 14:26
It is a great little town. I was down there last weekend for my first taste of the AT. I heard the creeper trail is pretty cool as well (you can rent bikes, be dropped off at a high altitude and ride them down). The city itself was quaint and enjoyable!
Did that once. Great time!!