Date: 2004-06-29
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks Campground
Miles today: 9.1

Start Rocky Run ShelterDestination Annapolis Rocks Campground The rat-a-tat tat of rain woke me up before daylight. I groaned. I knew rain was inevitable sooner or later. I was just hoping it would be later. I lay there trying to remember if I had everything up out of the rain. Several late night rains last year had taught me well. Everything was put away. I rolled over and went back to sleep. The skies were blue when I woke up again. I said a prayer of thanks and fixed my breakfast. Motivated by the thought of a hot shower, I packed up quickly and gulped down my oatmeal. I hardly noticed there was no salt in it. NOT! In no time I was at Dahlgren Back Pack Campground. The only place on the AT where there are hot showers offered at a campground. After tying my backpack securely to the electric line, in case someone wanted to slip in and grab my pack (it has happened), I turned on the shower and stepped in, fully clothed. It made no sense to wash my body, and then put dirty clothes back on. Using my liquid soap I scrubbed my shirt, shorts and sports bra, and then rinsed them clean. I took them off and gave my body the same scrubbing. Oh, it sure felt wonderful! I dried off with the 12x12 inch towel I have and put on my extra set of clothes. I felt strange going around braless, but I figured if I kept my arms crossed it wouldn't be too obvious. I took my clothes outside and laid them in the sun to dry eating a power bar while I waited. It did not take too long before my clothes were dry and I was back on the trail. You may wonder why I just didn't wash my clothes in the sink. Well, there is just something childish and funny about getting in the shower with all one's clothes on. If you do not believe me, go try it. Besides, it was like I had two showers. Lunchtime found me at Washington Monument State Park. And what to my wandering eyes should appear? But a payphone with a drink machine near! This was too much, a hot shower, drink machine, water spigot and a phone, all in one day? Bless George Washington's heart for all of this. I made good use of all the facilities, including making a surprise phone call home. This park is built around the first monument ever built to honor George Washinton, it is much more modest than the one in DC but for the small towners of Maryland of 1827, it is impressive. There are signs along the trail to the monument, like the old Burma Shave signs, offering facts about Washington. I felt like I had a history lesson by the time I was back on the trail. Of course it seemed at every road crossing today, there was a sign telling about some civil war battle that took place here. As I hiked along an open pasture I could almost picture the armies as they clashed. Then I could hear the sounds of the theme song from the civil wars series. Oh, how I loved that song! In fact I loved it so much I used it in my outdoor wedding as my processional. Of course at that time I did not know it was the theme song to anything. I just knew I sold the music in my shop and fell in love with Ashoken Farewell. When my dear husband to be heard the song, he said all he could picture were dead bodies lying across fences and in trenches. As hard as he tried, I don't think he ever got the same feelings as I did when I heard the song. But he married me anyway! I had my first trail magic today. Just as I was about to cross over Interstate 70, the trail went along side private land. The owners had a journal for the hikers to sign and a box of Cheese Crackers for us.   I crossed over the interstate on the foot bridge erected for hikers, stopping to wave at the traffic below, as people hurried here and there at what seemed to me ridiculous speeds. A few honked as they passed under me. I got to the Annapolis Campground by late afternoon. There are a dozen or so campspots, but only a few campers. I watched as some campers let their dogs play in the spring. I was glad I had filtered enough water for tomorrow! As pretty as it is here, you can hear the interstate noise. It seems strange to be this close to the roadway. I will not sleep near as well because of the noise. There is a cool front coming through, and tonight as I made supper, I had to scramble for my rain jacket which is good for rain, but not for warmth. I longingly wished for my fleece jacket, back at home in my pile of winter things. My blisters are about healed, and once again my body is getting into the routine of this life. I have had some soreness, mostly in my shoulders, and I still have a crick in my neck. My pillow would solve that I do believe!! Some how clothes bunched up for a pillow just don't work too well. Total miles 9.1