Mile 395. (Zero day.) Trail days.

Trail Days is the annual Appalachian Trail “conference” of sorts.   Set for the second to last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of May, everybody who is anybody in the AT hiking community gathers together in Damascus, Virginia.

Shuttle drivers within a 200 mile radius stuff as many through-hikers who will fit into their vans, leaving the Trail virtually empty except for the occasional day or section hikers who marvel at their newfound privacy. 

Vendors set up tents to showcase their wares, latest models, and provide the penultimate customer service.    Through-hikers are the kings of the Trail; and vendors go out of their way to ensure their gear is working as it should.   They are smart: through-hikers bond over gossip.   Stories of a positive customer experience sells.  It’s as simple as that.

My favorite aspect of Trail Days:   I was able to reunite with my Tramily, the original gang with whom I’ve established the tightest bonds:   The Professor, Flight Risk, Bougie, Hello, Top Knot, Kenny Powers, Bandit, Gadget, Huckleberry pup & his Human, and Beans and her pup Bells.   Even better, a new group of trail friends generously took me under their wings to introduce me to the Trail Days magic:  Mini, Wonder, Forward, Shivers, Twiggy, Teal - such a welcoming group of fabulous humans.   My heart is overflowing.

Admittedly, after several recent days off trail for VomitFest and New York City, I was satisfied after just a few hours of reuniting hugs and stories.  I’m anxious to get back to the Trail to earn some more miles.  The big Friday night bonfire and Saturday afternoon water gun parade can wait until next year for me. 

I’m just a few miles away from hitting the 400-mile mark - let’s get going!!