Date: 2007-07-02
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knot Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was one of those days in which everything just seem to come together nicely. The weather was cool, dry and sunny. The trail was level with few rocks. There were interesting sights along the way and a great ending to the day. The temperature dropped quite a bit last night and as morning arrived it was tempting to just stay in my sleeping bag where it was nice and warm. But I wanted to try and get out on the trail early today to take advantage of the expected good weather. So I dragged myself out of my sleeping bag and got on with the day.The walking was brisk as I attempted to warm up and stay warm. After about 4 miles I came to Gathland State Park, a Maryland state park (yes, I am in Maryland now). Gathland Park had some very interesting historical buildings and displays decribing some of the Civil War battles which took place in this area. When I arrived at the park pavilion, I encountered some major trail magic. Another hiker called Jedi, who had to get off the trail, was making pancakes and eggs for any thru hikers passing through. He also had boxes of donuts and pastries and a few coolers full of various drinks. Along with a few other thru hikers already there, I sat down and had a second breakfast, and talked with Jedi and Talker Man about the Civil War.After a long break, I hiked on. The weather was unseasonably cool and clear, and fueled by a satisfying pancake breakfast, I was enjoying the hike. It wasn't long before I arrived at Crampton Gap which contained more Civil War monuments and displays. I took some time reading the details of battles that took place nearby. It was all very interesting, and I would really like to devote more time learning about this period of history, when I finish my hike.The next stop of the day was Dahlgren Campsite, which is right on the AT. It is a state run backpacking campsite, with rest rooms, showers and picnc tables. I stopped for lunch here and ate with a few other thru hikers who were at the shelter last night. It would have been tempting to stay here for the night, but it was early and I needed to hike more miles.In the late afternoon, I encounteed another interesting historical monument. This one was in honor of George Washington and aptly named the Washington Monument, not to be confused with the one in Washington DC. This was a simple stone tower with a spiral stair case inside which allowed me to climb to the observation level on top. It had been built my local Maryland citizens in honor of George Washington, sometime after his death.I was considering hiking a 20+ mile day today but after reading my guidebook found out that there was a place to eat, very near the trail, called the Dogpatch Tavern. I had heard that this place was frequented by bikers and hikers alike, and thought it might be an interesting experience on the trail. It was a sort of spontaneous decision, but I was glad I made it. I walked the half mile on rt. 40 to the tavern and sure enough I saw about four bikes parked outside and one backpack leaning against the wall, which I recognized. Fuzzy Monkey, a thru hiker I just recently met, had just arrived before me. We both had a nice sized cheeseburger and fries and washed it all down with a couple of beers. the local bikers are used to seeing hikers and did not pay much atention to us at all.Fuzzy Monkey and I paid our bill and then walked back to the trail. We decided to call it a day and hiked up to the next shelter for the night.A great day with lots to do and see.