So after Damascus:

MAN was my pack heavy on that uphill climb out of town (yes, it is always uphill after town stops). I’ve definitely gained a hiker appetite…so trying to carry 8 days of supplies was a challenge (but still possible). I did my first 20 mile day on the 14th, and have done several since. I climbed Mt. Rogers, the highest mtn in  VA. No views, but the summit is covered with Fraser firs, so  I felt like I was on a real mountain. Most mountains/ridges down here have large deciduous trees so it feels like low elevation to me, and all the rhododendrons make me feel like I’m walking thru someone’s tropical shrubbery garden. The VA highlands and Grayson Highlands were beautiful. Grassy ridges (lots of views), rocky trail…and wild ponies. They are eager to be scratched, and love to lick the salt off sweaty hikers and their gear.