Date: 2010-06-27
From: Back in Martinsburg

To: on the shenendoah river
Miles today: 53.3

June 26th - Saturday - While in Front Royal we ran into River whom we haven't seen in ages. CB and I had been talking about aqua blazing to Harper's Ferry and mentioned it to River. She had a couple of takers and so on Sunday the 27th we headed down the slow moving Shenendoah River in two canoes and one kayak. The day was hot and by the end of the day we had floated and paddled about 15 miles. Thanks to Grizzly we stealth camped in a farmer's field under a full moon. As we needed drinking water we found a spring for the following days adventure. Most of the land along the river is posted no trespassing, but all of us needed water so we were highly motivated to find water come hell or high water. It was a nice journey with Grizzly, Sockeye, and River. The river offers class 1 water in places; cows sharing the river with boaters and swimmers. I did not jump in and enjoy the liquid brown. Water just looked dirty and it was! We did not even consider purifying the water!! Birds: 13 BALD EAGLES; RED TAILED HAWKS; BLUEBIRDS; KESTRELS; MANY GREAT BLUE HERONS; CHIMNEY SWIFTS; BELTED KING FISHER; RED WINGED BLACK BIRDS; AND BATS. We saw 3 turtles and one was a snapper! River, Grizzly and Sockeye managed to be under attack by a water moccasin while they were paddling the river. Another reason not to go in the water! The water moccasin's head was up at the level of the gunnel of the canoe. SOme adventures I just am glad I am not involved in. Large oaks and maples, cherry, and willows overhang the river 20 - 30 feetat threatening angles providing well needed shade for the 90 degree days we were enjoying. Sunday we had to deal with the crazies behind the helms of the jet skiis. Choppy swells are difficult to manage...for us at least. On Monday and Tuesday, however, not any of these power driven water toys were around so all we had to deal with were the shoals. Twice CB and I got turned around on the shoals due to the speed of the water over the rocks. Getting hit broad side even in shallow water is a bit nerve wracking . We like our gear dry!! We finished our 3rd day earlier than expected and got picked up around 12:30 pm. CB and I were dropped off at the 7-11 in Harper's Ferry while River, Grizzly, Sockeye, and City Slicker ( she had just returned from a week in MA.) headed out to Cincinnati, Ohio. At the 7-11 we managed to down 2 root beers, chocolate cupcakes, and hagen daz ice cream pints before heading to ATC headquarters. There was a guy in the parking lot with an ATC badge and of course I spotted him!! Our newest friend and trail angel, MAtt ( he should be employee of the month) took us to headquarters. Chili and Pepper were getting their photos taken; Sequoia arrived; Lorrie Pottiger and Peter Pan( at the front desk) were there with smiling faces! A group of Girl Scouts were there all sweaty and happy to have finished hiking MD. We checked out the hiker's photo journal for 2010 and sadly noticed our friend Sabbath Keepr had gotten off the trail at HArpers. We had spent a night with him at a shelter in the SHennies and he had not mentioned he was leaving the trail. We hope our paths cross with him in the future as he is one of the nicest men out on the trail. We have been blessed to know him. YETI - if you are reading this - get in touch with PEEWEE. Message board at HArpers has info and also in the registers in the last 50 miles before Harpers. Ran into Bear Blaze, Cervesa, and Funky as they were contemplating leaving H F. The Professor is looking real fine and healthy!We are now at my cousin John's and Brenda's house for a few days and then we return to Harpers to meet up with some friends from Boston. Best Trail angels are my cousin John and Brenda. They should get out of retirement and start a B & B. They spoil us. Weather remains warm and breezy down off the mountains. Good night all and have a fun and safe 4th of July!!!( many Confederate Flags flying down here!!) Gonna be across the Mason Dixon Line soon! We'll be up NORTH then!! Hugs, CB and DT