Day 35

6 miles

Kind of a lazy day today. Didn’t do much of anything. We hung out at the park in Damascus and did pack shakedowns for everyone in the group. Crazy Eyes and I are the gear nerds of the group although everyone is an experienced backpacker so we just give our suggestions on what you should or shouldn’t keep and why.

The plan today is to do 6 miles only so we go to the store to grab some beers to hike out. Manny and I decide to walk along the Virginia Creeper Trail instead of the actually AT because it’s nice and wide and flat and most importantly it bypasses a large climb. The rest of the group are more purists so they do the AT route. Manny and I have a really nice talk and drink beers as we walk the 6 miles into camp. The rest of the group, Crazy Eyes, Two Tone, and Pocket Aces show up roughly half hour after we arrive. We sit around bullshitting, polishing off the last of the beers, and playing cards. Hiking ain’t so bad sometimes