Date: 2003-06-05
From: Harpers Ferry 

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It seems like, in town, and in contrast to being on the trail, I stay up much later than I should. Neither Hotdog nor I was asleep before 1am, I'd guess, even though I wanted to be up by 8:30 this morning. Hotdog was up first, then it was my turn for the last shower, for a while. Ahhh.... this time I got to use shampoo that my cousin Connie brought! It was heavenly! MUCH better than soap!Hotdog went to the Post Office, while I packed and talked to my dad, and Daniele, a friend from home. Then we ate breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, and headed to ATC headquarters to get more pictures, especially with Ted's Flag. When we got there, Fly and Smoothie came outside! They'd just arrived that morning! It was so good to see them again! Unfortunately, they are taking about 4 days off at home, and we were headed out. I'm sure I'll see them again though, as I'll be taking time off when family visits. I was so glad to see them. I had been wondering just where they were, but hadn't heard a thing.We piddled around at ATC HQ, and finally got back to the trail around noon. Another late start. Oh well, that's just the way it goes sometimes. Within 0.6 of a mile, we were hiking through the historic area of Harpers Ferry, past Jefferson Rock. I have never seen so many people on the AT in one area before! Since it was a sunny day, there were a lot of school kids, and other tourists visiting the area. I had to do my share of sightseeing and reading information signs too, and around 1pm, we crossed the Potomac River and headed down the C&O Canal Towpath, away from the crowds. I saw a snake along the towpath, orangish-brown and about two feet long. It seemed quite defensive, and possibly had been nearly run over by the bikes that passed before I did. I let it move off the path and into the grass before moving on. I also saw about 10 turtles sunning themselves on a 5-foot long log in the canal.It was a good hiking day today: mostly sunny, with a good breeze. We were protected from direct sun most of the time by the canopy of trees. When I saw the sun this morning, I thought I might need sunscreen, but it was not the case. We saw Paparazzi sitting down resting, and talked with him a bit before going on to the first shelter north, Ed Garvey Shelter, for a late lunch. The trail was very muddy in places, and had a stream flowing down it in other places. So much for dry feet! I suppose it couldn't last too long anyway. At Ed Garvey Shelter, The Honeymooners, Alicia and Josh, were unpacking for the night. It was before 3pm, but they were staying anyway. Two southbound section hikers were there, and Space Monkey and Paparazzi showed up too.The break from the slippery mud, and nourishment from the food lifted my spirits, and we headed north again. Sometimes, I'm either tired or hungry or both, and it effects my mood. I start to get angry with the trail, and today it was the water and mud on the trail, and that I was constantly NOT lifting my foot high enough to clear the rocks, stubbing my toe and tripping. After lunch, I didn't get so angry about it, just tried to pay more attention to my feet.About 4 miles after the shelter, I came to Gathland State Park, where there was a soda machine. Hotdog and I took a break, and each had a cold drink. Paparazzi joined us after a few minutes. Harpers Ferry, this state park, and other parks in the area, along the trail are famous Civil War battlefields and landmarks. I wish I knew more about Civil War history so I could understand all that I've been reading today. I stopped at most of the signs to read them, and look at monuments and ruins.We moved on, once again, the trail ascending and descending gently. Right before Rocky Run Shelter, we caught up to Paparazzi, and the three of us hiked 0.2mi on a side trail to the shelter. When we got there, we saw that it was full, and considered our options: tent there; sleep under the swing on a platform; or move on. All three of us decided to move on. It was 7:40pm, but we knew there was some kind of camping 1.8mi north.After stopping to look at more monuments, we arrived at Dahlgren Backpack Campground, where B-Roc, Mule and Rev had already set up camp. This campground has showers, flush toilets, and about 5 tent pads each with a picnic table and firepit/grill. And it's free! Hotdog, Paparazzi and I set up our homes for the night, and ate dinner. I didn't go for the shower though, since it was only one day out of town.I don't remember the last time I slept in my tent, but I know it was quite a while ago. Due to the rain, I had been staying in the shelters each night. I like sleeping in my tent, but not setting up or breaking down camp in the rain. It's nice to finally have a night that's dry. It'll probably rain in the morning though, just to remind me what it's been like, in case I'd forgotten. I haven't.Today, I hiked out of West Virginia, crossing another state off the list. I'm just over 23 miles from the Maryland/Pennsylvania border, so the day after tomorrow, another state will be behind me. It seems strange, after spending so much time (over a month!) in one state, to pass through and out of two within 3 days! I'm getting excited about the halfway point (near Pine Grove Furnace State Park) coming closer. That will be a wonderful occasion! If I was about a week slower, my mom and sister could celebrate it with me, but that won't be the case. Instead, my sister will hike with me about a week after that, and coincidentally, on Naked Hiking day, June 21. I don't think I'll be hiking naked that, or any other day, but it could be quite interesting on the trail that day! I'm glad I get to share it with my sister!I know I'm only halfway done, and have a long way to go, but sometimes I get antsy and want to hurry. Luckily, I don't follow through with that most of the time. I've been thinking about what I want to do after this... but don't have any answers yet. I've considered doing something temporary and trail-related such as ridgerunner or hostel caretaker. I've also considered park ranger, national or state level, and zoo keeper. I don't have a clue where I'd like to live, and hope that I will know not long after my hike is through. If my finances allow it, I'd like to take my time getting back to Florida, possibly hanging around New Hampshire or Maine until the Gathering in October, then taking a slow way home, such as Amtrak, making stops along the way. Nothing is certain at this point, and I still have a lot of time to figure this stuff out. For now, I'm glad to be in my tent, out in the woods. Well, kindof in the woods... there's a road 0.2mi from here, and I can hear ! cars go by. Oh well, I can also hear birds and other critters, so it's good enough. I'm on the AT still, and that's what matters!