AT Section 2 Day 1

Thur Apr 9 Damascus to Lost Mtn. Shelter 17 miles Weather: beautiful

Meeting up with some new friends, I started the hike off right with a double serving of the most unhealthy biscuits and gravy imaginable. I hung out with everyone a little too long considering if I was going to stay the next two days in Damascus. After tying up some loose ends at the outfitter, I hit the trail about 11. It was a beautiful day, bluest skies I've seen and upper 60's. After stripping off all my layers, I was hiking in shorts and a tshirt. The trail had great variety starting at the river, heading up a ridge, back down into the valley and up to a peak. I made it to the first shelter at about 3:30. I found a man with his young son and a friend and chatted with them over lunch. They were having the same trouble with their SteriPen, so I offered my advice. Mine has given me a smiley face every time, but it take some convincing to get to that point. I decided to continue hiking to make it as far as I could today. Chances are I will be taking a 0mile day tomorrow because of the thunderstorms. Its in the 30's up here now, so I'm a bit frozen. I got two of the guys that stayed in the hostel with me staying here tonight. They caught a shuttle to the top and are headed south. Hopefully I don't go nuts tomorrow.