Bobblett's Gap Shelter to Troutville, Southbound

Bobbletts Gap Shelter to U.S. 11/Troutville, Southbound

Day Seventeen – Wednesday, April 9, 2014

17 miles

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We parked our car at Highway 11 Troutville parking area, then Karen took us to Bobletts Gap.   We began hiking south at 9:00.  It was an easy hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We met Tumbleweed, Thunderfoot and Pilfer again as they were headed north. They told us about going to the Fire Station in Troutville to get a shower.  Troutville is known to be a friendly hiker town. 

Near the end of the day we went through some pasture land, then into a little wooded area, then came out at the railroad tracks at Highway 11.  We made good time for 17 miles and had a relatively easy day with only one noticeable climb.

We ate at Country Cooking restaurant, a good buffet and spent the night at the Comfort Inn.

 

                                

 

Zero Day in Damascus

Day Four
October 3, 2013
Zero Day in Damascus

The Comfort Inn had a very nice continental breakfast which we enjoyed very much.  Then we waited outside for our shuttle.  Nigel Collins from Fort Bastian arrived promptly at 10:30 and drove us to our car parked at Grayson Highlands State Park.  He is a “True Brit” and we enjoyed talking with him.

We drove our car to Damascus back down the winding Music Trail road.  On the way, we found a couple of loaded apple trees beside the road and raided them.  We wanted to take a few home to make apple butter (which we did and it turned out very well). 

First stop was Mt. Roger’s Outfitters to line up a shuttle for tomorrow morning back to Grayson Highlands State Park to hike south this time.  We had booked Ruby’s Rest for the night, so we went there to check in.  Jeff and Nicky Buckley were very hospitable hosts.  Their accommodations for hikers were a little cottage in back of their house.  It was nicely furnished and had LOTS of books!  We appreciated the coffee and pot the next morning.    

We enjoyed eating lunch on the porch of In the Country Eatery and Bakery.  There were lots of bicyclers coming and going on the Creeper Trail which ran in front of the restaurant. It was a beautiful day for bike riding.  Damascus is in a great location for The Creeper Trail. 

Dairy King was our choice for dinner.  They have some good home-cooked meals.  Then back to Ruby’s Rest for the night.