Date: 2018-05-31
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Washington Monument State Park
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

It was drizzling when I walked out of the Quality Inn at 7:45. I reconnected with the A.T. at the Shenandoah River Bridge and followed the trail back to High Street, passing Jefferson Rock and other sites along the way. I stood for a moment at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, thinking about the historical significance of this small town and letting the realization sink in that we had hiked over a 1,000 miles to get this point. Crossing the Potomac, into Maryland, on the Byron Memorial Foot Bridge really gave me the sensation that we were entering a new phase of our hike. I wished Which Way was with me to take it in, as she earned it. She also earned what came next, a three mile stroll along the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Tow Path. The C&O path runs from Cumberland, MD, 184.5 miles along the Potomac River, to Washington, DC. It was designed to open up a transportation mode between the east coast and the wealth of resources coming out of the western frontier. It operated for about 100 years before being rendered obsolete by the invention of the steam engine and ensuing rail road. Ironically, a freight train came roaring through the tunnel on the far side of the river and passed me by as I crossed the bridge. It was the first of four trains that passed as I walked down the flat gravel path. From the C&O, the trail crossed under US 340 and climbed about 1,000 feet over two miles to the Weverton Cliffs. It was an easy climb on an easy hiking day. While there were some rocks, they were not of the annoying variety. That meant that I could generally pick a line through the scattered (not so pointy) rocks without hindering my stride too much. If it had not been for patches of water and mud, the hike would have been classified as a piece of cake.Once on top, the trail followed a ridge for about five muddy miles to Gathland State Park. This was the halfway point in my hike and I arrived right at noon. At the center of the scenic park were restrooms with a covered side porch and bench - a perfect spot for lunch. I took off my shoes and used an adjacent spigot to rinse off my muddy feet and socks. Then I used the restroom sink to wash my hands and face. Now I was ready to sit and enjoy my PB&J Bagels. There was even a trash can in the restroom where I could offload my garbage. What a great spot! Just as I was leaving another NOBO named Donut raced around the corner with the same look of satisfaction I had when I arrived. I said, ¢I¢m taking off, the spot is all yours.¢ I told him my name and that I was hiking with Which Way. When I mentioned her name he said, ¢Which Way and Next Step, I was following your trail journal before I started my hike.¢ Donut started his hike on 28 March and was making good time. I told him about Which Way¢s injury, that she was following me in a rental vehicle as she healed, and to reach out if he needed anything. The second half of the hike was even easier than the first, mainly because there was less mud to deal with. I hiked at a pretty good clip to White Rock Cliff, where I stopped for a snack and to check the weather. Storms were slowly moving in my direction. There was a SOBO section hiker at the spot and we talked for a few minutes. Just as I was walking off, Donut came racing up and caught my attention. He said that he was thinking about my offer for help and that he could really use some Deet (bug spray). I told him I would reach out to Which Way and see if she could grab a can for him. I told him I was meeting her at the Washington Monument State Park, about 5.5 miles up the trail. We hiked a couple of miles together before he stopped for a short break. He caught back up to me at Reno Monument Road, where I had stopped to call WW and check out some Civil War Historical Markers. I told him that she would have some Deet for him. I also checked the radar and saw the storms were closing fast. We covered the next two miles in warp speed, hitting the parking area where WW was waiting just before the storm hit. I had also told her about my hiking partners trail name, so she had a couple of donuts in her hand when he walked up. Again, there was a spigot handy, so I washed my muddy legs, feet, and shoes before jumping in the car. There was also a very nice hiker day shelter where Donut took refuge from the storm, while no doubt enjoying his cream-filled treats.WW and I ended up getting a room at the Super 8 in Hagerstown. It was west and a little north of where she picked me up, so we could stay for two nights if we chose to. Also, the Physical Therapist wanted to see her again on Friday and Charles Town was still pretty close by. WW was a little sore from her session today, but really liked the treatment she was getting. I just hate that she is missing some easy hiking. She would have enjoyed it. This too shall pass.Peace & Blessings!Next StepP.S. Thank you for all of the congratulatory comments on hitting the 1,000 mile mark and for your words of support and encouragement for Which Way. It means a lot to us.Elevation Data:Ascent - 3,300Descent - 2,240Grade - 5.1Weather:Day - 82 / Clouds and Rain Night - 67 / ShowersOver the Horizon:  Pine Grove Furnace State Parktext to follow