Date: 2004-06-27
From: Harper's Ferry, W.V.

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Start Harper's Ferry Destination Ed Garvey ShelterI woke up early this morning to the sounds of someone on the floor above me constructing a building. At least that is what it sounded like. It was too early for me to even think about opening my eyes, much less getting up. Closer to 8:00 I finally talked myself into getting up. I fixed a bagel and peanut butter washed down with a glass of water. Once again I went through my pack trying to decide what to get rid of to lessen my load. I had gotten two titanium tent stakes at the Outfitters yesterday, so I can leave three of my heavy ones in the hiker box. I combined a couple of medicine bottles and their contents, so I can throw those away. The excess weight is my food bag. I know it is, yet I am powerless to do anything about it. I have starvation issues! I filled up my water bladder and had no sooner fastened it tom pack when I noticed water running down my pack and soaking into the bed. The mouth piece had come loose and all the water was leaking out. I refilled the bag and started over. I went back to the outfitters again. It is a good thing they are on the way. I had found out last night that my headlamp was not working at all. I had just put new batteries in it and it worked fine at home. Now it was not working at all. I got a replacement, extra batteries and headed down the trail. I stopped at the payphone to call Jerry one more time. While talking to him I happened to look down at my shoes and remember what it was I needed to get. Back up to the outfitters where I replaced my round shoe laces with flat ones. My shoes stay tied tighter and fit better with flat laces. I also ran into thru hiker wannabes, Mike and Dianna. They were in the store yesterday getting the gear they need to thru hike next year. There was a look of longing in their eyes as they shared their plans. I remember those days. Finally I was back on the trail headed out of town. Wouldn't you know it; the trail went right by an ice cream shop. With very little self talk, I stopped and got me an Oreo blizzard. No sense in wasting a trip by an ice cream store! It was noon by the time I crossed the Potomac River and was headed out of town. I stopped midway over the bridge and took one last look at civilization. This was it. I was really back on the trail. The trail follows the C&O Towpath out of town and along the river for several miles. It is a favorite place for bike riding. The trail is wide and level. I crossed into Maryland and asked a lady to take my picture. I hiked for an hour or so before deciding to take a break along the river's edge. I had not been paying attention to my feet and had developed a blister. I took my boots off and put some duct tape on my heel. A short break and a snack and I was back on the trail. The climb out of town was long and steep. This is the second steepest climb in Maryland. What a treat for my first day back on the trail. I ate lunch on top of Weverton Cliffs. They offered a spectacular view back up the river from where I had come. I laid my bandana, shirt and socks out in the sun to dry while I ate. There was a breeze that was blowing through the trees and just above my head a pileated woodpecker was looking for bugs. A hawk soared in close looking for a meal. Yep, it is good to be back on the trail. I got to the shelter just after 4:00. I thought about pushing on to the next shelter but I don't want to push myself too soon. I set my tent up, climbed in and was soon asleep. When I woke up there was already coolness in the air. I put my boots back on and made the .4 mile hike down to the water source. The sign said the trail was steep and they were not kidding. As I got there something big went crashing through the underbrush. I caught a glimpse of a white tail going up the side of the mountain. The water source was a spring with a pipe sticking out of the rocks. One of those great mountain springs, with ice water coming out of it. It was nothing at all to fill my bottles. I got brave and washed my face and arms, washing away the sweat from today's hike. Then I got really brave and stuck my head under the pipe. My brain went into shock as the water ran over my head. A new type of brain freeze. The water ran down my neck, and over my shoulders cold and refreshing. It almost made the trip down worth it. Except for that climb back up. Ouch!I filled my stove with fuel and lit it, the match catching on the side of the can as I drew my hand back. I watched as the fuel ran over the rock, carrying the fire with it. Well, that is one way to lighten your load. I tried again and soon was eating supper. I fixed a glass of warm milk to wash it down with. The shelter is occupied by one other hiker, but I am too tired to go see who it is. The wind is whistling through the trees and the birds are singing their nightly lullaby. It is almost 8:00. I am turning in for the night. Total miles 6.4 (7.4 if you count the trip for water)