Marion, Virginia

Marion is the next little trail town on Dad's journey.

Here are a few photos from along the way:

Crossing into Marion

Inside of Trimpi Shelter

People may continue along the trail trail- this gate blocks livestock

"So much green on the trail"

Campsite with Christmas Trees! (but did not camp here :) )

Another river crossing...

Roots on the trail.

And yet, another river crossing!

Happy Memorial Day

 Thank you so all those who served and who still continue to do so;  we honor you and thank you.


As you have read, Dad was stuck in Damascus for quite a few days with food poisoning and a round of antibiotics. Yuck.  He did, however, develop a love for milkshakes, especially strawberry. :)

He headed back on the trail Saturday (14 miles!) with... Whitney and Scott (Alas, I was in Savannah)!!! Whooo hooo!!!  They had been in Boone, NC and drove up to Virginia to see him and hike.  She was absolutely thrilled to see her Daddy and said he was in wonderful spirits.  He seems to be doing very, very well.

"He talks to everyone!"  Literally!  Before he was fairly shy and now, she says, he talks to everyone on the trail!  Love it! :)

Daddy- Semper Fi! We are so proud of you!  Love you!

(I think this is a precious photo!)

So very proud!

Sick :(

Dad is still in Damascus due to a serious case of food poisoning.  He is on ten days of antibiotics and hopes to be back on the trail this weekend.  I have posted a few things below that he has emailed the last few days.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and send well-wishes! :)

* The following photo is of two United States Marines who are on the trail "walking off the war". Dad says they are both machine gunners and he is unsure how many are in the group. These are the two he met :)

Semper Fi.

This the cottage Dad stayed in when he was sick.  Below are some animals that roamed the yard. He really enjoyed it here, "Ruby's Rest" owned by Jeff, Nicki, Ruby and Stella.

Trail Days- Damacus, Virginia

(see previous post) Dad trekked into Damascus, Virginia for trail days.  He enjoyed the festival until a tragic event at the parade (60+ hikers injured) obviously toned things down.  He will now stay there tonight and get walkin' again in the morning!

Article about parade:
 http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-virginia-parade-crash-20130518,0,5953400.story

 Photos from the weekend:

Parade

Virginia Creeper Trail

:)

Into Damascus, Virginia

 Photos from the trek into Damascus for Trail Days! :)

Purple flowers on the trail

"Christmas Trees" outside the forest

White Blaze marking the trail....

Red Spruce forest.. foggy...

These dot the trail... would help over fences but fences are torn down

Hanging items out to dry at hostel

Mountaineer Falls... camped near this spot

AT crossing a river...

Laurel Falls

Old barn on the trail-- near Dennis Cove

Room at a hostel

Near Laurel Creek....

Black Bear Resort/Hostel