It was a short ride today, so I went real slow, enjoying the forest and the Potomic River. With just 2 days left to ride, I have the first tinges of vacation-is-almost-over melancholy. I want to inhale a reservoir of forest air and etch the great memories from my ride deep so I can retrieve them and revisit them in the stressful moments of the real life I have to return to. While taking my time along the canal path today, I saw many animals. My Critter Report includes another 2 herons, a deer, a box turtle and a 3-foot long camera-shy black snake! The pic below provides a great view of a canal lock alongside my trail. This was leaving Shepherdstown.
I spent several hours doing the history tour of Harpers Ferry. As you know, it was an important Civil War town. Also established in the 1700s, and on a hill, the walls, buildings and their foundations are quite interesting. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here too. To leave the Canal Path and get over to Harpers Ferry though, I had to carry my loaded bike up to an elevated walkway across the river. That was not easy, but I did not want to take my gear off and make two trips. We will see about that tomorrow.