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So, here goes, the first entry. Seems strange that the trip is only three days old, because it could be weeks as far as we're concerned. We began in Harpers Ferry, WV, on the morning of the 21st at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The people there were all very helpful; we weighed our packs and headed off. Brian's parents walked with us down the first mile or so of trail, past Jefferson Rock and into historic Harpers Ferry. There were bands of screaming children running all over the place, which was a bit disconcerting on what was supposed to be a nature trek. They appeared to be on a field trip or something. We walked across the footbridge over the Potomac River, where the Gebharts bid us adieu. It felt quite good to finally be on the actual trail.
The first few miles were easy going, with the trail winding between the Potomac and some train tracks. The trail was fallowing the C&O Canal Towpath. Mules used to tow barges on this canal from Cumberland, MD to Washington, D.C., until 1924. After a quick lunch, the trail began to climb a little, and the sky became cloudy and
ominous. At the first few drops of rain, we covered our packs and hastily threw on our rain gear. So of course, it didn't rain. Lesson learned, I suppose, though I'm convinced that had we left the rain gear off, we would have been dumped on. We covered about eight miles total that day and ended up at Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter. It was super-nice: a two-level shelter with a glassed-in window on top. We slept up top, crawling into our sleeping bags around, oh, seven o'clock or so. It was cold and we were tired. Five or six other hikers rolled in over the next couple of hours. In the middle of the night, Jessica woke Brian up, whispering, "there's something in the packs." Brian was understandably doubtful. She shined a flashlight around and found nothing. However, the next day, Jessica was vindicated when they found a hole in the bag of sunflower seeds. Lesson learned again--don't leave any food out, even if we're ten feet above the ground.
Happy Anniversary to us! We ate dehydrated scrambled eggs and bacon (Jessica's favorite) with instant coffee to celebrate. After hitting the trail, we discovered the hole in
the seed bag, and Brian promptly spilled the entire bag out on the ground. Most of the seeds were salvaged. A few miles down the trail was a Civil War battle site, with a big arch for a War Correspondents Memorial, the only one of its kind in the USA we were told. We met some hikers that we had shared the Ed Garvey shelter with (Trail Names: Pounder, Crumbs, and Free Hugs). They seemed nice, but they're thru-hikers, meaning they're studs, so they soon passed us. The sky threatened rain all day, but never did. A great view from White Rock Cliff, where Crumbs and Pounder were talking to a couple who lives in the area. We shared some good conversation and had someone take our picture with the town of Keys Gap in the background. Then, a nice hike down to Dahlgren Campground, where we found, miraculously, hot showers. Very nice. The night was cold once again.
On to the 23rd. Bit of a late start, because we didn't want to crawl out of our sleeping bags into the frosty morning air. Still, the hiking was good at first. We climbed up to Washington Monument
(the first, built in 1820-something), which had an excellent view. Lunch was at Pine Knob shelter, where there were dead spiders and Jessica was glad we were not sleeping there. Annapolis Rocks gave us the best view yet, though it was freaky because there was nothing between us and several hundred feet of air--dizzying. A couple of miles after this, the trail got VERY rocky--more boulders there than dirt--and this took a toll on our feet. The last five miles were like this, with much uphill and downhill. Still no blisters, though (knock on wood). We decided to check out this hostel we saw in the trail guide, and we're surely glad we did. This is where we are right now, using their internet to update this page. It's called the Free State Hikers Hostel, and it's run by this guy (Ken Berry) who hiked the AT in '06 to raise money for a clinic. The place is awesome; there's a laundry room, shower, comfy bunks, and snacks. We ordered pasta for dinner from some pizza joint and pigged out. Quite a nice respite all around. Tomorrow should be an easy day, so we're enjoying this. Plus, there's a girl
here who's been on the trail only a few days and her feet are all torn up. So, ours don't feel too bad by comparison. Cheers!
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Brian's Mom
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Hi guys!
Surprised to see you posting so soon! I hope whatever got your sunflower seeds left your packs alone. We really enjoyed hiking with you. But I have to admit to being glad we're in a motel right now instead of on the trail with you! Hope you continue to be spared the rain.