Date: 2005-06-18
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Bug and I awoke early this morning as we only had a short hike into Harpers Ferry. We passed Bubbles Toes and Rawhide along the way. Although, the terrain doesn't exactly feel easier, it must be, because we made pretty good time.We only took one small break for a snack before heading the last 2 miles in. There was a blue-blazed trail that led to the ATC headquarters and we headed up the steep trail to officially sign in. Bug and I had our picture taken out front and went into the book as hikers #329 and #330 to come through Harpers Ferry. We had a good time looking through the book of hikers to see those that we had hiked with in the beginning: Tomcat, Sowega, Bootz & Bluelight, and several others. Bug and I weighed ourselves on the scale there and he was at 189 while I am back up to 120. We looked around a bit and bought a activity book about the AT for our nephews back home. I culd have stayed here longer, but since it is a Saturday, the post office closes at noon.We walked the 1/4 mile to the PO and found that in addition to our maildrop, we had recieved Strawberry cake compliments of Grandma Love, Pumpkin bread from Aunt Claudia, and a care package from our friends the Nances. They sent us some yummy fudge, the nicest letter, and a hilarious picture of some Jack Russell terrier races they had attended (our eldest is a Jack Russell).After sorting through everything and eating some, we walked back to the white blazes. Harpers Ferry is a cute little town and filled with all kinds of history. As we walked through and around town, we discovered a rock that Thomas Jefferson made a speech from, a church that had been converted to a hospital during the Civil War, and the armory in which abolitionist, John Brown raided, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.We spent some time looking around town, taking in the history. The town itself is a national park and we stopped by a historic restaurant to have some lunch and beat some of the heat.As nice a town as it is, it is more the type of town you visit as a tourist and not a hiker. Bug and I hiked down the C&O canal path which is also the Appalachian Trail for a couple of miles. We decided to stay just out of town at the Harpers Ferry Hostel and tented out on the lawn. For a total of $16, we were able to camp, get a shower, and have use of the inside faclities (i.e. restroom, kitchen, library, and internet). Bug was supposed to recieve a package here, but it has not arrived, so we are trying to decide what to do about it. He ordered a kilt when we were in Front Royal, VA to help with ventilation and chaffing.We had wonderful company during the course of the evening, and had the pleasure of meeting a father and daughter from New York state. He was taking her to summer camp. We really enjoyed talking with them and they were kind enough to offer us a hot meal when we get up their way. Bug and I continue to meet so many great people out here.After cooking up a yummy meal of velveeta shells and cheese, we purchased our usual pint of ice cream for every 200 miles. Bug ate his Cherry Garcia and I had the Dublin Mudslide and in all consumed over 3,000 calories in dessert alone. Another couple that were staying at the hostel had started a campfire outside and were roasting marshmallows. We joined them, although not for the marshmallows (had enough sugar earlier). It was a great evening full of fellowship, and David, our new friend from New York, played the guitar.Everyone is about to call it a night, and I am about to take my nightly routine of medicine (tylenol, benadryl, and the antibiotic I'm on). 3 states in one day...Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland! Can't wait to see what the morrow brings.