Picture of the day - May 15, 2005

Isaac & Sampson - Damascus Trail Days 2005

Isaac (kneeling) and Sampson at the 2005 Damascus Trail Days celebration.   The annual Damascus Trail Days celebration in Damascus, Virginia is all about the town's appreciation for the hikers that visit the town as they pass by on the Appalachian Trail. Every spring, hikers descend upon Damascus by the hundreds to participate in and experience Trail Days. One of the first things that most Trail Days attendees notice is the abundance of dogs the hikers have traveling with them. The dogs provide companionship and protection for the thru-hikers as they make their trek from Maine to Georgia (or vice versa), an arduous trip that can take the better part of a year!  The subjects of today's picture are Isaac and his canine companion Sampson, one of the many hiking duos that made it to this year's Trail Days celebration. With a large dog like Sampson at his side, Isaac probably feels quite safe as they make their way through the wilderness areas of the Appalachian Trail. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Damascus during Trail Days, bring a big appetite, a folding chair for the live music and a pocket full of treats to hand out... and you might want to bring along a little something for the dogs too!   Picture Of The Day Homepage Interesting Articles