Chris and Corinne had a little fun with the road sign that marked the crossing.
The trail somtimes goes right through town. Where it crosses a farmer's field or pasture,
a rustic ladder called a "stile" might be constructed so that hikers can go over the fence.
Then nobody has to worry about getting caught in this nasty barbed wire,
or about gates left open.
Local people take a lot of pride in being near the Appalachian Trail. They look out for hikers.
Sometimes a friendly person will offer a lift into town for supplies.
Maybe a bag with fresh apples is left in a cold stream.
At this road crossing, a styrofoam cooler with sodas and Juice and a bag of
TastyCakes and crackers is set beside the stile.
Hikers call this surprise "Trail Magic"
In Virginia, the rhododendron grew 20 and 30 feet tall. . . .
. . . and occasional encounters with wildlife usually weren't too scary.
This is the half-way point in Pennsylvania. Whether Northbound or Southbound,
it is a real achievement to get this far. Thru-Hikers celebrate by taking the
"Half - Gallon Challenge."
What you do is hitchike into town, buy a half gallon of ice cream,
and eat it all at one sitting.
O.K. North or South?
The poles that hikers use are better than the old walking stick. With sharp points and wrist straps,
they look a lot like ski poles.
They help with balance, speed and traction,
whether climbing uphill, or down, as well as on level ground.
You can only carry so much in your pack. Even when you get a ride into town,
the little country store or convenience shop may not have what a Thru - Hiker needs.
Hikers have someone at home mail their Supplies to them.
Then they can pick up their Packages at the local Post Office.
Evey Spring, there is a huge Hiker Festival in Damascus, Virginia.
It's called "Trail Days".
Damascus is one of those little towns, where the Appalachian Trail goes right down Main Street.
People come from all over for the Festival to have a good time,
see old friends, and catch up on the lastest in Hiking gear and equipment.
Click here .for more photos . . .
