Day 90-Maryland-Not So Much Elevation, But Still Lots of Rocks!

June 16-17.2 miles-Harpers Ferry to Dahlgren Backpackers Campground-AT mile 1043.3

State number 6, Maryland! Dusty took this sunrise photo this morning. 

You know the saying...red sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. Fortunately, that didn’t hold true for our weather today. It was a nice day...not too hot, and not too humid. 

On our way to meet our shuttle, we walked past the Turkey Hill dairy truck. Dusty jokingly said, “Do you have some ice cream?” The guy said no, but he said he had some chocolate milk! He gave us each a bottle of chocolate milk! Dairy is not really my friend, but that chocolate milk was delicious (of course, a few hours later I paid for it by having to dig a cat hole). 

We were at the Amtrak station by 8:00 for our shuttle around the bridge. Papa Roja arrived right on time. He drove us over the 340 bridge, then along Sandy Hook Rd to the other side of the train bridge. We walked up to the top of the stairs as close as we could get. 

Papa Roja

The other side of the train bridge over the Potomac. 

After the bridge, we began our hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. 



Of course it was flat. It is a bike path that goes all the way East to Washington DC, and going west, it connects with the GAP Trail that goes to Pittsburgh. Sure Foot has ridden it on his bike. 

We passed under the 340 bridge, then not much later exited the towpath. 




Then we passed under 340 again, but on the trail. 

Maryland is said to be pretty easy. From an elevation standpoint, that is true. We had one switchbacked climb, but then it was just little ups and downs. However, from a rock standpoint, I’d say Maryland is NOT easy. 

This may not look all that difficult, but I’ll tell ya, it kills your feet, and you can’t get any momentum. It is so annoying! Afternoon Two Wheels even made an appearance during those stupid rocks! 

From a history standpoint, today was rich with more Civil War monuments and battles. We walked by Gathland State Park. 





In front of the arch



There was no sign saying what this was, but see the white blaze?

Later, we popped out to another historical spot called Fox Gap. 




We are staying at a campground just for hikers. There is running water, flush toilets and...hot showers! And, it’s free!
Sawdust is also here, and Braids, who has a YouTube channel called “Hiking With Braids” showed up too. I had watched some of her videos before I came out here. She did some video of us, so when she gets it uploaded, we’ll be on YouTube!

I took a shower, and now, as it is the late late hour of 8:00pm, I’m going to go to sleep. Goodnight from Maryland!







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