Date: 2007-07-01
From: Harper's Ferry, VA

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I stayed up much too late last night, but the noise made by the soft footsteps of two young children one floor above was a pleasant wake up call. I went upstairs, said good morning to Leslie and Virginia and ducked into the shower. Afterwards I poured a cup of coffee and watched Virginia slowly and carefully eat all of her breakfast. It was time once again to start organizing and packing my pack which signals the end to a great time spent relaxing off the trail. Snake and Slick, eventually woke up and also began this slow process.We all enjoyed a casual breakfast of raisin bread, fresh fruit, and many cups of coffee, but at about 10am, Mike took Polly and Virginia, across the street to church. But before that, I was able to take a few family photos of Mike, Leslie, and the girls in front of their home. The girls gave us many goodbye hugs. They really are two of the most loving little girls I have met, and I will miss them. I said goodbye to Mike and thanked he and Leslie for their generous and wonderful show of hospitality. I can't say enough about all they did for us, and it will definitely be another memorable experience of this trip.Snake, Slick and I loaded the car with our packs. Leslie volunteered to drive us back to the ATC office where I would eventually hike out of Harpers Ferry and Snake and Slick would be picked up by Snake's friend, and drive to Baltimore for an Oriole's game today. Leslie got us there safe and sound after we made a quick stop for the usual, which is more food! After unloading our packs, we all hugged Leslie and said goodbye.I hung around the ATC office with Snake and Slick until their ride to the baseball game showed up. After the game, they plan to come back to Harpers Ferry and either hike out tonight or wait until tomorrow. Either way, I'll probably be ahead of them for a short time.I hiked back to the AT on the blue trail from the ATC office and was once again heading north. The trail stayed in the woods for a short time and then opened up into the dowtown historic section of Harpers Ferry. It then followed the foot bridge that goes over the Potomac River. From that vantage point you can see where the Shenandoha and Potomac Rivers meet. I took my time leaving Harpers Ferry so I could savor some of the rich history surrounding this city. I most definitely would like to return again to spend more time here.After crossing the Potomac, the AT followed the old C&O Canal Tow Path for about 3 miles. I believe you can follow this path all the way to Washington, DC. With the sunny and dry weather today, this path was filled with bicycles, hikers, and joggers, and the adjacent Potomac River was alive with people kayaking and tubing. It felt funny hiking with my backpack on and all of this activity happening all around me. After 7 miles I arrived at the Ed Garvey shelter, a very spacious, clean, and well built shelter. My plan was to continue on for 9 more miles, but this shelter was just too nice to pass up, so I will be staying here for the night.It was a great time spent in Harpers Ferry and Charles Town, WV with the Slover family, but it's time to move north once again.