Appalachian Trail... photos and journal

Spring of 2002... In the deep south...

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Strange looking fly of some sort but nice antennas!

That's a shot of Watauga Lake taken from the 50 yard line on the dam!

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Another nice blooming flower.

Would this be a catepillar hotel?!

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Looks like the whole family is at home today.

From my journal(May 5th) Day-19..."I was up early and ready to take on the day by pumping out the last 33 miles into Damascus. Once again, just as I’d got my tarptent set up last night the rain began to fall again and since I was directly on the ridge above Watauga Lake I’d set it up low in case of wind.

Fortunately the rain had stopped just at sunrise but my feet were soon soaked from the dew on the grass and weeds. I was moving a bit slow and was hit with a great tiredness after only ten miles so I found a sunny spot off the trail to spread out my gear to dry, then layed down on my sleep pad for a nice power nap. It helped and after an hour I was back at it.

About ten miles from reaching Damascus I really had the spirit for town and began moving at 3mph. I came into town with just one granola bar so I did the food thing just right this time. I’m staying at none other than “The Place” tonight and looking forward to some quality rest tonight because tomorrow will be a mostly working off day. "

Hey! It was my commitment to photograph the Appalachian Trail just as I found it and this mouses' trail ended in some unknow way directly on the AT.

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A spiders beautiful web glistens with the early morning sun making a bright natural contrast that reached out and grabbed my eyes.

Insects are going at it during the spring.

Into Southwest Virginia

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Finally I reach the Virginia state line and Mt. Roger's National Recreation Area!

Damascus... home of "Trail Days"

The "Place" is probably one of the most popular hostels on the entire Appalachian Trail and graciously shared with AT hikers for many years by the United Methodist Church.

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In Damascus the AT follows Main Street straight through Damascus, the fire department, and even city hall.

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