May 16 from Judd

The big day in Damascus. Hiker parade. No water balloons as the town council determined they were a safety threat. Mostly squirt guns townies verses Hiker's. The best getup I saw were fluorescent construction vests that had “ don't shoot I'm a hiker” everyone lined up by year. Oldest first then 2015 at the end. About 300 of them. It's a day at the fair otherwise. Lots of venders and live music. Fair food and fire department chicken bbq. Only a coupe restaurants in town and they usually have a line out front. Best thing to do is chip I on a pizza delivered to the hostel. I have never seen so many people with dogs. And tatoos. And pieces of metal stuck through their bodies. Everyone wants to tell you a story about their hikes. Some are pretty mundane. Called up gypsy Dave for a ride to fox creek. That's where he dropped me last time. Rain showers come in and out. I walked down to tent city to see what igloos like. You have topaz admission to get in and it's tents as far as you can see. Someone said there was a rumble at the drumming circle camp fire last night. I see police and rescue squares from all the neighboring towns all over the place so I guess it was put down pretty quick. My overall impression is that it's a bunch of youngish kids and pony tailed adults wearing tie died tshirts looking for Woodstock.
135 W Laurel Ave, Damascus, VA, United States