“Trail Days is a festival held each year in May, on the weekend after Mother’s Day, in the Appalachian Mountain town of Damascus, VA. Trail Days celebrates the Appalachian Trail and the hikers, former hikers and aspiring hikers that converge there each year.”
If you were to google “What is Trail Days?”, you just might find this very definition. And it is accurate…but I found Trail Days to be so much more than this. And I’d like to share my Top 10 List from the magic of Trail Days, May 17-19th, 2019! I know I’ve been hinting to some AMAZING stories for a couple of posts now AND it is now almost July…..whelp!!!….Therefore it is about time for show-and-tell and it has been for weeks!!! It just might interest you in checking Trail Days out for yourself someday….😁 Here we go!!!!
#10) Actually being in Damascus, VA!
Even before starting this AT adventure with Michael, (please check out my earliest posts if you’re curious who Michael is!), I had been hearing about Trail Days. Michael couldn’t wait to go and it actually was a main consideration for determining our starting date! “If we left by THIS day in March, can we make it to Damascus, VA by May 17th?…and how long will it take?….and maybe we should leave in April instead because timing might work out better to reach Trail Days by the start…” Oh yeah, there was a huge discussion about it!
For me, not really comprehending the large scale of Trail Days and what it really was, I just wanted to hike and live in the moment. So, Trail Days, which was a month and a half away, was not something I intended to plan for….in the early stages. But after meeting just the greatest people, (from my tramily to the entire hiking community that I had the pleasure of encountering), AND loving the trail, Trail Days became a no-brainer: OF COURSE I’m going to be at Trail Days!
After it being on the back burner….and then the front burner for over 400 miles, it was an amazing feeling to see Damascus, VA for myself!
Welcome to the friendliest place: Damascus, VA!!
One of the many walking/biking bridges you will find
Damascus is another town that is the trail…and vice-versus!
That yellow-ish Ministry building is called One Way – – it was the site for lots of Trail Magic, music, events..phone charging… 😊
Walking the streets of Damascus with the fabulously-skilled PBG – – To the post office we go!!
There are warm welcomes everywhere you look!!
The AT symbol is found in the beautiful artwork here….
And here!!!!! 😍
Not only is the WELCOME sign great, but so is the actual sign above it! Still very readable even though it’s missing a few letters. And spaces. 😁
The banner across the road, where the Trail Days Parade will pass underneath!
This way to Maine – – through Damascus, VA!
#9) Hello, Tent City!
Of course there are a couple hostels and other options where you could stay when visiting Trail Days…but most people tend to choose the free option, known as Tent City!
You have the choice of a family-style site, which is more “out in the open” in a baseball field and meant to be quieter and calmer – – – if you had kids with you and/or you wanted to sleep by hiker midnight, (9pm) for example, you would probably choose this camping spot. OR you could make your way into the trees, find a place for your tent or hammock, and join the crazy side of Tent City – – – where there are people everywhere, noise and partying until the morning hours, and tons more going on! Yup, my tramily and I went with Option B. 🤗
We have made it to Tent City!!
This is the “family” side, all open and exposed in a baseball field!
This is my tramily’s set up on the crazy side…
The view from my tent
This is a tent known as Billville – – where a lot of Riff Raff could be found!
There’s my tent, bright and green, with some tramily getting themselves set up!
#8) Celebrity Sighting!
Those of you that started this journey with me, you know how much I researched and depended on YouTube to learn about the Appalachian Trail. One of the people that I followed and who gave me so much insight and information was Dixie, (Homemade Wanderlust). And would you believe that she was at Trail Days???!!!!! It was so cool to see her in-person from afar!
Mini Side Note: I do wish that I had waited in line, to get a photo with her, and to thank her for inspiring me and helping me organize myself before getting on the AT. The tendinitis in my leg wasn’t the best so I opted out of the Celebrity Visit and was content with a couple of pass-by photos! Still pretty cool!!
There is Dixie!!!
It’s so great to see one of the hiking gurus from YouTube IN-PERSON!
#7) Food and Dye!! And Paint. 😊
The trail provides. It’s the truth and something that becomes so clear when you find yourself hiking the Appalachian Trail. You feel like you could use a snack or a drink and around the corner is the nicest people with Trail Magic! You were running low on fuel? You roll up to a hiker box, where fellow hikers leave things that they no longer need or want, and you find a new fuel canister waiting for you. It’s pretty great!
Well, Trail Days definitely provides as well! For one, you get your fill with regards to food, no doubt about that. Whether you choose to partake in a food-eating contest…well, that is up to you! And if you felt like adding to your exterior self image in any way? Well, Trail Days provided those particular things!! You will see more of those things further down the list, too… 😊
PBG and Rugged, sitting side by side, in their cake-eating contest!
This was taken after PBG said, “I have frosting up my nose!” Oh, did I mention that they were not allowed to use their hands??
After 3 minutes, the contest is over! One of the guys won…but here’s the victory photo of PBG, nonetheless!!
You could dye your hair! The gorgeous Pandora-Cardianna decided she wanted a green streak. An excellent choice!!
And you could paint your nails!! Whose hands are these?? And do they look somewhat manly to you? 😁
There was also face paint! And/or head paint…Long Shadow made his “eye on the back of his head” VERY noticeable!! He does see all. 😄
#6) The Miscellaneous Cool Stuff
Damascus, VA is a very walkable town, with everything you really need within a mile or so radius. Within that mile radius, there are tons of vendors and tents of the hiking gear bigwigs, most likely giving away free raffle tickets for the chance of winning free awesome gear…And walking through these areas and around Damascus provided a ton of unique and happy moments!
The trail leads this way! And so does the path for the vendors, tents, and tons of activity!
Seeing this sign as you walk through the many food vendors and gear tents is an amazing feeling! Hey – it’s still super far but that number used to say 2,192!!
See that snake right there? You could VOLUNTARILY choose to have him give you a big hug…
I love hugs but did I do this?? No, thank you…but this guy did!!
This happy unicorn float in front of the REI tent!! I love REI!
There were lots of contests you could enter. This Speed Tent Challenge was REI’s!
SIDE STORY: Two Ton and I were curious about this contest so we asked the REI staff. This is what he said: “You get an unfamiliar tent and you have to put it together in the shortest amount of time…(pause)…..set it up AND take it down the quickest in order to win…..(pause)……and it all has to be done on the back of the unicorn float….” It appeared like this guy was making up the rules as he went along!! We asked what the prize was for finishing the quickest, because if it was an amazing tent we were so in! It was the prize of a hat. Soooo, we moved on! I wonder who won?? 🤔
AND THEN there were just the cutest dogs everywhere!!!!!!! I took just a few pics of my favorite ones!!
This big bear of a guy slept against my leg when I was petting him!
I watched this little guy chase down frisbee after frisbee and catch them like a champ!!
Then, of course, Long Shadow had a visit from his furbabies, Lily and Reedus. They are the cutest!!!
#5) Fire and Drums!
Within the “loud side” of Tent City there is a lot going on, as I had mentioned. One thing is particular is a drum circle, that seems to continue all day, every day. During the day or at night, you could participate in the drum circle or dance around the drum circle….the energy was always insane and awesome!!! AND at night was when you got to witness the skills of many people, whether they were hula hooping, juggling, or SPINNING FIRE!! I added a quick video to show you – – check out how cool it was to watch!!
The drum circle during the day!
The drum circle, with many torches, at night!!
Gathering around the drum circle and a big fire pit with the moon peeking behind the mountain!
And here’s the video that I mentioned!! This is footage of (trail name) “Friend,” a part of the Riff Raff crew and just the sweetest person, who can spin fire in the most effortless and impressive way! I also learned that Two Ton can do this like a pro, too…the things you learn at Trail Days about your multi-talented friends! WOW!!
[wpvideo hLzsSqFJ ]
#4) Parading the Streets!!!!!
Oh yeah, there is an honorary Parade at Trail Days!! Hikers, both past and present or the current thru-hikers and the thru-hiker alumni from years past, gather and walk the streets of Damascus together. The entire Damascus community comes out to support and line the streets – – cheering, shooting the hikers with water guns….yes, seriously! And I was told that an estimated 20,000 were expected to show up to Trail Days this year. 20 THOUSAND!!! I wonder how many people were at this parade…it looked like an endless line of hikers!!
The Parade!!
Trying to stand on the sidewalk and capture the sea of people!
A fun photo of walking beside Two Ton in the Parade!
More footage!! This time, it’s from walking in the parade from yours truly! I love the excitement, from the hikers AND from the community that lined the road. Plus you can see some people who are armed with squirt guns and super soakers, ready to spray everyone from the sidelines!
[wpvideo n3Y0ynTK ]
#3) Trail Magic of All Kinds!!!!!
Any gesture of kindness from the hiking community, both on and off of the trail, is Trail Magic! And ohhhh my goodness, was there so much incredible Trail Magic found at Trail Days! Yes, lots of food and beverages – – which is the most common type of Magic and always so very appreciated – – but there were also so many volunteers who were assisting in other ways: There was a shower station, where the volunteers handed out towels, shower kits, and had a first-come-first-serve list so everything ran smoothly. There was a laundry station, where volunteers took our smelly, disgusting laundry and washed, dried, and folded it for us! (SO kind and amazing, right?!?!) There was a room in One Way, the Ministry Building, where volunteers were doing free haircuts!! Myself, Two Ton, Mr. Green, and Texas Pete definitely took advantage of that fabulous service! And then, of course, FOOD: there was a hiker feed at The Fire Station, free food and handouts at One Way, and constant free snacks and beverages at the shower and laundry station, where hikers would be waiting in line for either service. Seriously, it was the total pampering experience and it was truly touching and heartwarming to feel so cared for. See?? Trail Days provides!!! And we all have such gratitude for everyone that spent their time and effort tending to thousands of hikers!
Standing in line for the hiker feed, at the back of the Fire Station
A fantastic meal inside the Fire Station!
It was a very busy place!!!
What is that “Clean Machine” on the left??
Why, the shower and laundry unit!!!!! 🤗😍
And there are the baskets to separate each hiker’s clothes and the bags full of clean laundry. What an operation!
Mr. Green getting a trim!!
Texas Pete getting a cut, too!
And me, with my new haircut and my awesome town shirt that I chose while my laundry was being done! I may have worn it the entire time I was in Damascus….such a great affirmation!
This Trail Angel set out incredible fruit AND veggies!! You’d never guess so many hikers would get excited over broccoli!
#2) Men In Dresses!! And/Or With Feminine Flair!!
(This has some of my favorite stories in it!!!!)
This is a trademark of Trail Days, without a doubt. For the Parade, and all throughout Trail Days if you like, you can do a gender switch: guys dress as ladies and ladies dress as the guys. Well….so many gentleman took total advantage of this concept and it was the most amazing thing that I had every seen!!
First of all, I was so impressed with the guys that went ALL OUT! Adding hair, makeup, jewelry, chest–fillers…though I suppose that that is to be expected because that’s the most fun part for the guys, I would think! Lol!
Secondly, I went into a thrift store with PBG, Texas Pete, and Two Ton, specifically to find something manly for me to wear. I did not find anything because my “town clothes” attire that I was already sporting was pretty masculine – – I was wearing checkered men’s shorts, which you will see in the photos further down this post, so why spend money on more men’s shorts, right?? BUT Texas Pete, along with about four other guys, were all trying to find their “perfect dress.” I can’t describe what it was like to observe grown men talk about their search and struggle to find a dress that fits. I heard things like this: “I like the red one better than the green one”; “I hope this one has a zipper”; “I have no idea how these straps go, can you help me?”; “can you cut the lining out of this dress because I need more room”; “I’m totally stuck in this dress.” Yep. I got to be completely entertained by all of this!!! It was SO GOOD!!
Thirdly, Two Ton and I were walking around Damascus and we came across a box of up-for-grabs clothing. While checking out the selections for fun, Two Ton found a shirt that he thought would be just perfect for himself as a “gender switch” outfit. Oh yes, he found a little girl’s baby blue top that had a pink-sequined peace sign on the front. I didn’t think there was ANY WAY that he could get that over his head, let alone wear it….but, did he prove me wrong!!! After a bit of work to stretch it, pull it on, and make slits in the cap sleeves so not all the circulation was cut in his arms, voilà!! He now had a very fancy crop-top to wear all throughout Trail Days! With his fanny pack, his favorite part. It was priceless!
Now, here are some photos that capture these very stories!!!!! ENJOY!!! 😁😆😍😂
I got to walk next to this beautiful being! And I think those were grapefruits? Lol!
The one in the red number, beside Two Ton, is Boater. And he is expecting. 🤣
Texas Pete settled on the sexy red dress!
Here is Two Ton, helping cut the lining out of Texas Pete’s dress! Now, that’s something that I never thought I would get to say or talk about: Texas Pete’s dress!! 🙌🏼
There’s Texas Pete at the aftermath of the Parade. The man behind him, in the black dress with the blue crocs, is quite fancy as well!
The guy on the right was stuck and the guy on the left, happy with his dress selection, was rescuing his friend from suffocation… 😛
Two Ton and his new fabulous look!!!! It’s his “Power Pose.” 😍😆
Back to these hands…..yup, they are Two Ton’s painted nails. You know, to match the new shirt. 😁
AND, even though I did not purchase a “more manly” selection at the thrift store, I did borrow Two Ton’s hat to look more masculine. I think it worked out really well!
I’m feeling manly….I’m such a cool dude!!
#1) Hiker Reunion!!!!!!!
This was my absolute favorite part of Trail Days, hands down!!!!! When you are hiking this trail, you actually forget how many people you truly meet…like those you may have hiked with for a day, those you pass or leap frog on the trail, those people you have spent a little time with, whether it be in town or in shelters or in hostels…and then you show up to Trail Days. And it seems like everywhere you look, you know someone and recognize someone!! People you haven’t seen in weeks and weeks are there and it’s so exciting to see them again! I loved this aspect of Trail Days and having so many reunions with friends. I only took a few pictures but it was the best feeling to see so many familiar and phenomenal people. ❤️
Reuniting with Hunter, a.k.a. Sun Chips!!
Camel with Blaze, from the Fontana Dam Trail Magic!
Greg, a Riff Raff member, from Dividing Ridge Campground!
On the right, Mr. McStudly and his dog, Cody, from the NOC!
Camel with Patterick from the NOC!!
Aidan, one of the nicest people out there, whom I met on the first week of being on the trail!
And there you have it!!! My Top 10 List of the best memories from Trail Days 2019!!!!!!!
BUT I also have a few bonus stories to share – – – Crazy, Beautiful, and Powerful. May I present to you: My “Bonus Round” of stories!!!!
1) Spider Almost-Freakout (Crazy!!)
I’m so used to seeing spiders like this:
Look at how long his legs are?!?!?
On your tent or your pack or in your sneaker….ALWAYS check your sneakers before placing your foot inside, fyi. 😳
Anyways, one morning I was sitting in my tent and decided it was time to do my hair. I took out my brush, which has a mirror on the opposite side, and started putting my hair half-way up. I decided to check on the progress and when I looked into the mirror, this is what I saw RIGHT BEHIND ME:
This enormous, scary spider-beast was right behind my head, on my tent wall!!!
HEART ATTACK!!!! 😵🕷That massive thing!!! I almost squealed and panicked….but I didn’t know if it was inside or outside my tent wall. I figured knowing that would best determine how incredibly freaked out I should be. So I slooooooooowly turned around….and it was OUTSIDE of my tent! Hallelujah!!!!! I left that guy alone and carried on with my hair. But it took a minute before my heart calmed down!! I’m much better with spiders now, since you expect to see them everywhere, but I still do not like massive spiders in my tent and so very close to my head!!!
2) Captured Moments of Amazement (Beautiful!!)
The moon shining bright over us as we enjoy the drum circle and evening festivities!
One of my favorite pics that I took: A gratitude pic to the millionth degree!!
AND here’s some footage of Two Ton spinning fire. In case you were curious about it, when I mentioned it earlier…it blew me away! He just walked right over and started dancing with the fire stick like it was no big deal!!! It fits in this category because it really was a beautiful sight – – watching this fierce skill be performed by a very strong man wearing a very sparkly crop-top shirt!!! And I couldn’t add it earlier in this post because it would have shown you his fabulous shirt too soon and ruined the surprise! We can’t have that!!! And this is definitely a “Captured Moment of Amazement.” 🙌🏼🤩👏
[wpvideo OCOzHTQL ]
3) Honoring Stronghold (Powerful)
I’m sure many people have heard about the tragic incident on the AT on May 11th, 2019, when a thru-hiker, Stronghold, was killed by another hiker. Even if you didn’t hear about this news, I’m sure you can understand how it beyond-devastated and ripped the hearts out of the entire hiking community, near and far. It created fear, doubt, paranoia, grief, anger, extreme sadness…maybe all of the above. Maybe a ton of other emotions not mentioned here… it was a difficult scenario to even fathom, knowing just how wonderful the people on the trail can be. And how safe you feel on the trail and how the trail provides peace and solitude for those who need it…this tragedy had this huge impact on everyone, of course.
AT Strong. That is a term you will hear as you travel along the path. It speaks to the physical and emotional strength needed to hike this trail because there are many times when the challenge of the trail can overwhelm and try to break you. But it also embodies the mindset of hiking this trail, both as an individual and as a collective group of like-minded people. Conquering the trail, being there for each other, supporting and encouraging each other, sharing strength and love….It is with these words ‘AT STRONG’ that we honored Stronghold, through a candlelight vigil and at the end of the Parade. It is with these words that we knew the true importance of standing tall, banding together, and carrying on, rising above any adversity or fear as a unified front. And now the words “AT Strong” will carry another meaning -Strong for Stronghold – forever honoring his memory. ❤️
The candlelight vigil
AT Strong: The motto on the trail
Gathering to honor Stronghold and support each other after the parade
Stay AT Strong 👊❤️
What a ride, right??? Trail Days was definitely something to behold!! I’m so glad that I was there for these unforgettable experiences. Thank you for being here and sharing these stories with me.
And I hope you enjoyed this ‘Trail Days Storytime’ post!!!!! Some were pretty great, you have to admit, right?!?! 😆😄
Hangin’ in a hammock with my new TRAIL DAYS T-SHIRT!!!! 😍
And allow me to leave you with a ridiculous shot of me wearing my headlamp, taken during Trail Days….so it totally belongs in this post. I was curious how it would turn out – – – it’s like a smiling, one-eyed robot, maybe? Or perhaps I just REALLY have a great idea and it’s a lightbulb shining on/over my head?? 😛
Either way, I’m smilin’ at YOU!!!!! 😁❤️🤗
xoxoxo!
SMILE!! (If you’re a weirdo… 🤣) It’s an amazing day, (and night), remember?!?!