Appalachian Trail, Days 41-43

There was a veritable nest of earwigs in the trekking pole wells of my tent as I was disassembling it for the day. I contended with the swarm, grossed out as I tried to relocate the scary bugs as smoothly as possible. Thank goodness for the layer of mesh between me and them last night. At least I could look out over the view to see the slowly swirling clouds lifting for the day. As I set off, I called my dad to say Happy Father’s Day. In the tedium of the morning, I thought about how Burke’s Garden, once the ocean floor of an ancient sea, now a fertile crater, would make the perfect place to ride out a zombie apocalypse.

Mallory Weston 7/22/25 Mallory Weston 7/22/25

Appalachian Trail, Days 38-40

After the night hike, I was slow to get packed and get out of camp in the morning. Things were off to a rough start immediately when I realized I left my trekking poles at the shelter only after climbing the steep and annoying path back up to the AT. I’d be catching a shuttle into the town of Merion to resupply, and I had to hustle to make it down to the trailhead in time. I was doubtful I could make it for the first few miles. But with town as a powerful motivating force, I quickened my pace and started catching up to the people who left camp earlier. Sure enough, I arrived at Partnership Shelter a half hour early.

Mallory Weston 7/5/25 Mallory Weston 7/5/25

Appalachian Trail, Days 35-37

I stayed late at the hostel, drinking coffee, eating gas station breakfast food, and stressing about trying to get caught up on journaling. I did have to wait until the post office opened so I could go over and collect the box I sent myself. Once that was done, I sent some extra items back to Philadelphia. After organizing my resupply, my food bag weighed a ton, and my pack could barely close. Walking out of town with a completely full pack is always the worst.

Mallory Weston 6/25/25 Mallory Weston 6/25/25

Appalachian Trail, Days 32-34

I crossed a major state line into Virginia and spent a few days hanging out in Damascus, Virginia. Damascus is one of the most iconic trail towns and host to the annual Trail Days festival, celebrating the Appalachian Trail every May. I had my second zero day, gave a presentation about my Appalachian Trail Conservancy artist residency at the Damascus Trail Center, and gathered a crew for the 4th installment of AT karaoke blazing.

Mallory Weston 6/4/25 Mallory Weston 6/4/25

Appalachian Trail, Damascus Trail Center

Just a quick break in the blogging to announce an upcoming event. I’ll be passing through the trail town of Damascus, VA this week, and the Damascus Trail Center will be hosting an info session where I’ll talk more about my residency and my hike so far. Please join us if you’re in the area!