Date: 2005-05-31
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Pen-Mar Park
Miles today: 23.4

Got up early this morning. No rain last night, and no rain this morning. A little foggy leaving with heavy dew. So the tent was somewhat wet and Boston doesn't like packing a wet tent, it is heavier.On the trail at 7am. Before leaving, we tried one last time to talk Old Yeller into going the 23 miles with us today. We figured he probably wouldn't.Fairly easy hiking today, with the exception of Devil's Racecourse and coming down from High Rock.We saw a big rattle snake today between some large boulders. The large boulders were actually the trail. So we did have to walk on the boulders. We walked within 2ft of the snake as we kept our eyes on it. Just before the snake, we ran into Ranger Tammy, she was with 2 volunteers and a National Park worker. What a job, hike the trail and get paid for it. She was very nice and we talked for about 10 minutes.A small section of the A.T. went right next to a house, along their side yard. They had a nice box with a trail register for hikers to sign. The trail actually goes around the back of their yard before going over a major highway. It would be cool to have a house virtually "on" the trail. Ranger Tammy says that these people are very hiker friendly and they have hiked with Ranger Tammy.We went to Ensign-Cowell Shelter for a lunch break. Supposedly there is water near the shelter, but hand written note in shelter states that water is 200yds down a steep hill. In fact, there is no discernable trail to any water source. We decided we would get water and make crystal light drink at the next spring in a couple of miles.When we left Ensign-Cowell Shelter we heard a strange barking/screaming noise just ahead of us on the trail. We didn't see anything at first, but as we turned the corner, we heard it again and saw a fox. The fox was warning us that it's kit was on the trail. It was a very protective parent. We stood watching and let the two continue towards us and then off to the side of the trail. It was neat to see and also pretty cool that it was actually "talking to us."We found the next spring and made 2 liters of drink mix. We had a snack there too, it was a nice break.The trail was good to just south of Devil's Racecourse Shelter. It then turned to rock for quite a while. There was also a steep rocky trail at High Rocks. The last 4 miles to Pen-Mar Park were rock and boulder-filled, and it seemed to take a long time to get through. It was getting to be a long day. It feels like any mile over 20 seems to take longer.We got to Pen-Mar Park at 5:30pm. Pen-Mar is gorgeous, but does not allow camping. It has a strong and terrific history. Cubby read all the signs and looked at all the pictures/photographs in the small museum building. It used to be "THE" place to go in the early 1900's. A typical Sunday church picnic would have 6 to 8 THOUSAND picnicers. Talk about a place to "yogi" some food!It had a dinner hall, dance hall, big bands, bowling alley, miniature train, carousel, pavillions and concession stands. More than 100 hotels were built around it to house the many people who came to the park. Most people came by train. The railroad built the park as a destination so they could sell tickets on the train. The park fell into disrepair for more than 30 years prior to 1977 when it was rehabilitated. It is a very nice park today.First thing we did when we got to the park was order Rocky's Pizza for delivery to the park. Between the two of us, we ordered a 12" cheese steak, salad, a medium pizza and a couple of sodas. It sure is nice to have hot food that you didn't have to carry or cook.As we were finishing up dinner, we got to talking to the Park Attendant, he was a really nice guy and very knowledgeable of the history of the park. After talking with us, he said that since he liked us, he would point out a "convenient" location for us to spend the night. This convenient location also included "facilities" for us to use at night and in the morning. We ended up sleeping VERY near the park boundary. Thank you Mr. Park Attendant. It was a good night's sleep.Prior to going to sleep we enjoyed the Sunset Pavillion for a few hours. The sunset was gorgeous and we met several very nice people who asked us a lot of questions about hiking the trail, and people who told us about the history of the area.We forgot to mention that we walked by the very first Washington Monument ever constructed. It was underwhelming as a structure, but to think that it took so many years for a monument to be erected in Washington's honor. They say it has a wonderful view from the top, but the fog was heavy and we could not see a whole lot from the top of the monument.