Hitch hike magic, Trail Days, and the (temp) split of Hybrid and Mojo

For those who don't know, there is a hiker festival in the little town of Damascus, VA every spring. The festival usually draws about 10,000 people to the sleepy town and is a pretty big deal among the hiking community. Hybrid and I had debated the merits of going to this festival. Before even starting the trail, we had planned on hiking into Damascus (the trail goes right down main street) just in time for the festival. After our slow start, it was more than apparent that we were not going to make it in time. We went back and forth as to if we wanted to pull off the trail and hitch into town and finally made the decision to do so about 3 days before the festival. We only had a couple short distance hitches so far and were not sure how a long distance one would go.

After arriving in Erwin, TN we were able to get a ride from the hostel there to the highway. From the highway, we waited by the on-ramp with a "AT Hikers - Damascus?" sign in our hand and smiles on our faces. As luck would have it, a thunderstorm rolled right overhead about 10 minutes into our hitching attempt. We moved to a nearby overpass to take shelter (and really look like vagabonds). We were protected from the storm, but soon, the water started to collect under the overpass and every time a car would drive by, we would be treated to waves that would make surfers jealous. So we retreated from there. Soaking. Wet.

After regrouping under a church awning, we made our way back to the highway ramp. After about 15 minutes, a nice woman named Lauren stopped by and picked us up, just as the rain began to do the same. We told her we were going to Damascus and she said she could take us to the next highway we were trying to get to (she was coming home from work and going to see her little boy). This was more than suitable for us as we figured we had a better chance to get to Damascus from there anyway, plus we got to get out of the rain.

As we chatted driving down the highway, the rain worsened and our blessed trail angel, Lauren, refused to let us hitch in the rain. Rather than drop us off at the highway crossing, she drove us the entire way to Damascus, an additional 50 minutes past where she was going. I can't begin to explain how much this meant to us. We weren't desperate (well, we sort of were), but we were waiting for about 2 and a half hours in the rain for a ride that seemed like it wasn't going to come. Then Lauren just drove us the entire distance, completely out of her way. Its the kindness of strangers like that, which have made this trip so extraordinary. I hope she made it back quick to see her husband and son. If you're reading, THANKS!!!

After getting to the festival, we set up our tents and began walking around and seeing the sights. There were some huge bonfires going on and we ran into a bunch of our friends from the trail who also made there way up to the festival. Lots of vendors, good people, and overall a great time. Met a lot of past thru hikers that had some good advice too. Everything from using cut pantyhose as gators to "take your time on the trail...whatever you do!" We had a great time!

The end was a little bittersweet however as Hybrid and I had to say our temporary goodbyes. He is off to see his sister graduate from law school (congrats alena!) and take a few days to hang around the house. I, on the other hand returned to TN where we left off and am continuing the hike. Hybrid will be meeting up with me in about a week when the graduation celebration is over. Fortunately I have some great friends on the trail to keep me company in his absence.

The trail continues and Mojo and Hybrid are having the times of their lives!

Thanks for reading!

-Mojo

Also - congrats to my little sister, Amy for her upcoming graduation from BC! If it was closer sis, you know I'd be there. Have fun!