Date: 2015-08-02
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: mist

Short hike today - only 8.5 miles to Harpers Ferry and a motel room. I was going to meet my youngest daughter and my nephew there late today. Would share the day with them in that historic town tomorrow, and take a rafting trip with them. After that, Ben (nephew) and I would head south to hike the AT along the Grayson Highlands State Park. Had a reputation for being beautiful. And I'd heard that from more than one through-hiker who had traversed the area. Lots of down hill today. That would make it fairly easy. Plus it was a short hike compared to those I'd just hiked the past week or so. I'd heard from other hikers that I would be impressed with the last leg into Harpers Ferry. There was the added benefit of having the main office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in that town. Made sense since Harpers Ferry is the official halfway point between both ends of the AT - Springer Mtn in Georgis and Mt Katadhin in Maine. Thought I might stop there and get some info about other sections of the trail, plus compliment them on the fine job the ATC performs maintain the trail. All done with volunteers.Even though I was only halfway through my month-long trip, it was somewhat bitter-sweet heading into Harpers Ferry. Ended the first leg of a very memorable adventure. I could only hope the next two weeks of my trip would be as great as the first two. But spirits rose when I thought of seeing my daughter, Becca, and nephew, Ben. How wonderful to see family in the middle of the trip and spend time with them. Even better to know that I would be spending time with Ben for the coming week on the trail. Backpacking was new to him, but Ben was in great shape and I knew he'd love the challenge.There was another milestone on the trail today. I would be leaving Virginia and going into West Virginia. Must remember that my destination was Harpers Ferry, WV.The hike was a breeze today. Light backpack as my food supply was down to emergency provisions only. That and the downhill made for a fast pace. Along the way I started to run into many other people - especially as I got to within a few miles of Harpers Ferry. Many day hikers out on what was a beautiful day. The closer I got to the town, the more it started to resemble a walk in a big city or county park. The last downhill section was a treat. The views of the Shenandoah River were awesome. The AT actually goes over a main bridge into the town. That's where I took the photo on this page.When I got to the other side of the bridge over the Shenandoah, I happened upon a couple of young women backpackers going the opposite way. I stopped briefly to chat. They were just starting out on their hike with intentions of putting on a 100 miles or so. Their backpacks were almost as big as they were. I took pity knowing what they faced just 17 or 18 miles ahead - the Roller Coaster.   I told them the hostel at Bears Den was worth the stop and the few shekels. I also shared the insight provided me by More-to-Go back at Manassas Gap Shelter just before I hit the Roller Coaster. I told the girls there was water in all the hollows between the peaks of the Roller Coaster, and that they could lighten their load by guzzling water at the water holes and going on with empty water bottles up and over to the next water hole. They seemed appreciative.As I rounded the corner on the road leading to the bridge, I say my destination. The Econolodge lay just a block from the trail. My wife, JoAnn, had made the reservation there for us. What a great coordinator! Couldn't have done better myself.For anyone who hasn't already visited Harpers Ferry, it is worth the effort to go there. Beautiful town. The whole area is designated a National Historical Park and managed by the National Park Service. Well worth the visit. And if the river's up, you can go rafting or just rent an inner tube and go floating down that beautiful river in the photo!