I'm writing this while my laundry dries, in Damascus, VIRGINIA!! I'm back on schedule after 3 grueling days - 37 1/2 hrs on the trail and 83 miles further north.th

It seemed to take forever yesterday to reach town - I think because of the anticipation. It's surprising what a hot shower, clean clothes, and real food does for a body!

Since leaving Erwin, TN, I climbed the last of the 6000' peaks, at least until NH. Have had great weather, al‎though 2 days ago it hit 83+ degrees. That's a little warm for a grueling hike - especially if the humidity is also high. That means more time harvesting water - unproductive time!

Have split times between staying in shelters and in my tent. The first is more social, but makes it hard to leave early‎ w/o disturbing others. On the other hand, I'm not having to take down and pack the tent. A couple of nights ago I was camping all alone just off the trail (stealth camping). After talking with Connie, I went out to brush my teeth before going to bed. I had my first encounter with a larger animal - a doe wandered in to graze, 30 feet away. She wasn't fazed,0so neither was I. The following day I had to hike further than planned because 5 or 6 miles of trail was restricted to no camping or cooking due to bear activity. Other than the occasional sign of scat, no evidence of bears. I have heard coyotes a couple of times early in the morning.

Will add a couple of photos. The dam is Watauga Dam and Lake. Nice area, but bear country! The other photos are of the sign for Jones Falls and the falls themselves. Neat!!

Joker