Bullfrog: I can't quite explain to you all of the feelings I've got seeing this picture right now ... other than I've got to hit the trail!!!!
Rhino: we did hit the trail in January but instead of traveling south we decided to do a day hike in Maryland. We started at Gathland State Park which was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this day use park. The park includes all of Crampton's Gap, which was the southern most gap fought over during the battle of South Mountain. Fought September 14, 1862, it was the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland.The picture is from the web. When we arrived early that morning, the weather was cold and there was thin layer of crunchy snow on top of the mountain. Jeremiah and I had packed light
since we wouldn't be staying overnight. We made some serious good mileage that morning as we hike the crest of the mountain. Eventually we arrived at the famous Weverton Cliffs. We both ate a power bar and rested on top of the cliffs. When we descended we joined the C&O Canal bicycling path for three miles of easy walking...but we were getting tired. Walking next to the Potomac we approached the Bridge into Harpers Ferry, where we stopped for an expensive burger and fries. Harpers Ferry was very nice and I would like to go back to visit someday. We stumbled to our cars finishing a blistering 15 miles in one day. Granted it was easy terrain with little mountain climbing but it was a very satisfying hike.
