Date: 2008-07-02
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Zero in Harpers Ferry.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We tried not to wake the others as we stepped past them going out the door.It was a quiet walk through town and down the stairs to the train station.Along the way, I took a bottle of water from a cooler outside of a church that is offered to Thru-hikers. Here again, the littlest things mean so much, Thank you to the congregation that makes this possible for all of us.Surprisingly there was a line of 20-30 people waiting to board. Then I realized this is a commuter schedule, These poor folks have to go to work, to their jobs. They do this every morning, I guess it beats driving and sitting in traffic, like I once did. Oh how I felt so lucky right then.The ride was about 1hr.45min. It stopped a few times along the way picking people up. I enjoyed looking at the country side and the little towns along the way.Once arriving in D.C., we had a quick bagel & coffee in the station, this was a busy place. Next we purchased tickets and caught the subway to Arlington Cemetery.Upon our arrival, we exited the car along with another woman who just happened to be a tour guide. As we walked toward the grounds, she shared loads of helpful information that allowed us to make the most of the day.Again, what are the odds? Coincidence, or charmed?Today is a beautiful sunny day, Upon entering Arlington, there is a feeling of reverence and awe. There are alot of people laid to rest here who's lives contributed to the country we enjoy today. I think everyone should visit our Nation's Capitol at least once in their lifetime, it is impressive.We visited JFK & Bobby Kennedy's grave, watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and walked through history reading the names and inscriptions, some over 250 years old.From there we left Arlington, and walked toward the Capitol which was about 2 miles away. We crossed over the Potomac and into more history. It has been many years since I was here last. So much has changed than what I remember. This area is beautiful and inviting. You have to walk it, to get the most out of it.We toured the Lincoln Memorial and walked along side the long pool heading toward the Washington Monument. Along the way we visited the Koren War memorial. It consisted of several silver/gray colored soldiers positioned as they would appear in a picture walking on patrol. It had a ghost like aura about it. I imagine in a light fog or at night with low light, this scene would be even more impressive.Next was the VietNam Wall of the fallen. Several have commented on this as well, But as you walk along this monument, there is an eery quiet, and as you walk you feel a sadness building inside. By the end of the wall, you have tears in your eyes. You feel this!As I walked here, I noticed a grown man, probably a son, touching the name of his father whom he probably never met or has little recollection of? I could see in his face the sadness and desperation to connect with the man he only knew from pictures and stories. I can only imagine his pain.There was one other, that caught my eye. This was no doubt a survivor recalling the tragedy at the loss of a friend. There was no mistaking this one. This man was re-living a moment from 40 years ago, like it was yesterday. A soldiers tear, is one you will never forget.It took a few moments to regain composure but I looked back as I wanted to always remember.The last memorial I walked through was for WWII. This was a beatiful monument. It was a large pool with shooting fountains of water, and as you walked around it each state was represented and engraved in stone.   From there we headed beyond the Washington Monument and into an open grass area among the Smithsonian, other museums and places of great significance.In the open area, several large tents were set up with food, exhibits and a whole assortment of July 4th fanfare.By now we had walked a few miles. Not a big deal by AT standards, but it was time to eat and sit in the shade. So we did. I fell asleep for a little while. Watching the people, seeing the sights, and enjoying the day, what a visual contrast from hiking through the mountains. We continued to tour some museums, slowly making our way past the Capitol Building and toward a subway connection. The subway thing was every bit what you see on TV, crowded, rushed, standing and packed like sardines.We were glad to finally make our train connection back to Harpers Ferry,It was the last one. Today has been a long, full, enjoyable but exhausting day. I dozed in & out, but I was surprised how many faces I recognized from this morning. What a way to live each day.I grabbed a meatball sandwhich from a little restaurant I passed on the way back to the hostel. I'm glad that I made the trip to Washington, the train ride, the history, the experience, it was a prized addition that has only added to this incredible adventure. I recommend it to everyone.I pretty much fell into bed and fell asleep soon after.