Did you hear?… AT Trail Days attracts many interested and interesting visitors

AT Trail days in Damascus, Virg., attracts lots of hikers and other interested visitors to take part in a manufacturers’ expo, as well as to listen to music, watch parades and a talent show, and lend their hands to volunteer efforts, such as this year’s effort to recycle cans and bottles in a partnership with Leki USA, Virginia retailer Mt. Rogers Outfitters, and local Boy Scouts. But it’s the AT hangers-on that can make life interesting for those taking part in the event, Lindy Spiezer of Leki told SNEWS®. She forwarded this picture of a hiker. You gotta see this, so click here. “Hard to believe that you and I work all day inside and these spirits roam up and down the trail 2,000 miles with ‘biners in their ears,” she said. Leki staff worked 12-hour days servicing poles for free (see picture here), knocking through more than 230 pairs, many of which are hit by inside oxidation from stream crossings that a normal user can’t get to. Greg Wozer allegedly sent one user to a “time-out chair” since his poles were in such disgusting condition. But Spiezer said she learned how attached to their poles they are. “Some are so excited about learning that their poles come apart, and that they should be drying them out. They can pick their pair out of all the finished pairs without looking at the ticket.” The event — which attracts thru-hikers, alumni, non-profits and manufacturers — was May 16-19. Said Spiezer, “I’m telling you, make it a date to see a cross section of humanity that you never see.”