ATC headquarters, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry Railroad Bridge, West Virginia

As I continue my hike along the Appalachian Trail, I find myself drawn to the captivating allure of the C&O Canal Towpath. This historic route, intersecting with the trail at various points, offers a mesmerizing journey through both time and nature. Traversing the path that once served as a lifeline for trade in the 19th century, I am enveloped by the tranquility of the Potomac River's waters and the verdant beauty of the surrounding forests. The towpath's gentle terrain invites me to stroll leisurely, allowing ample opportunity to absorb the rich heritage of the region while reveling in its scenic vistas. Remnants of the canal's past dot the landscape, serving as poignant reminders of bygone eras. 

As I continued along the towpath, I marveled at how flat and effortless the terrain felt, even with my hefty 65-pound backpack. It was akin to taking a leisurely stroll through a park, and I couldn't help but entertain the thought that if the entire trail were like this, I might reach my intended destination by mid-afternoon. However, as the trail abruptly veered away from the towpath with a left turn, I quickly encountered my first taste of uphill terrain, scattered with rocks and tangled roots. The contrast was stark, reminding me of the varied challenges and rewards that awaited me on this epic journey along the Appalachian Trail.

View from Weverton Cliffs, Maryland

At midday, I stopped for lunch at the Edward B. Garvey Memorial Shelter, a refuge dedicated to the memory of Edward B. Garvey, a passionate outdoorsman and avid hiker who devoted much of his life to the preservation of natural landscapes. Garvey was renowned for his deep appreciation of the wilderness and his commitment to environmental conservation. The shelter, bearing his name, stands as a testament to his love for the Appalachian Trail and his desire to provide a safe haven for fellow hikers along their journey. 

Upon arrival, I encountered two hikers who had already decided to call it a day. One of them was taking a rest day due to an ankle injury, while the other was an international hiker from Switzerland who had come to America specifically to hike the Appalachian Trail. Of course, the Swiss hiker was carrying Swiss chocolate, which he generously shared with me, adding a sweet touch to our encounter. Curious, I inquired why he chose to hike the AT when his country boasts beautiful trails with majestic mountains. His response was that they don't have such long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail.

After the lunch break, I continued my northbound hike. The rest of the day consisted of walking through the woods with few scenic views. I reached the Crampton Gap Shelter around 5pm. Initially, I found myself alone in the shelter. I prepared my evening coffee and pondered the prospect of spending my first night on the trail alone. However, just as dinner time approached, four southbound thru-hikers arrived, bringing me relief. While I cannot recall the trail names of most hikers, one individual stood out - a hiker from South Korea known as Rabbit. He earned this nickname due to his swift pace, covering 25-30 miles per day.