Broke camp early and started the virtual hike when I saw this posted right outside Ashby Gap.
Who doesn't like roller-coasters, right?
The Roller Coaster is basically 12.5 miles of constant PUDS (pointless ups and downs) ranging from 300-400 feet each. In REAL TIME it takes about 7 hours to make it all the way.
Virtually...well...it is a lot quicker.
So let's get started!
Hiking The Rollercoaster
https://youtu.be/UMjrkh4chaI
With Bobaganoosh (from the opposite direction)
https://youtu.be/uUdXcA3Ejzo
Okay...after the 3,000 and 4,000 feet climbs earlier...this is a lot of fun.
The only great view on the Rollercoaster
Near the end at Raven Rocks
Until, breathless, we arrive at Blackburn Trail Center.
Where Brian (The Caretaker) will be happy to whip you up hot food...and you can relax in comfort with a soda from the fridge. This place has a solar shower...toilets...fireplace for colder weather...a full range and dishwasher.
You might forget for a moment that you have been hiking in the elements for a couple of months.
Hell, you might never leave...maybe that is what happened with Brian.
Now we are only 12 or so miles from Harper's Ferry...where we will stop...relax and take a couple Zero Days over the weekend to look around.
Woo Hoo!!!
The State Line into West Virginia...
Yes!!! We are going to do this!
It may seem counter-intuitive, but there are shuttle services off major roads on the trail.
The Trail in across the Potomac to Harper's Ferry.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Although it is not technically the middle of the way through...psychologically most hikers look at reaching Harper's Ferry as the half-way point either NOBO or SOBO.
Anyway, it is a little like looking down into The Promised Land at this point. Envisioning a soft bed, a restaurant meal or three, and a couple of candlelit bubble baths.
(...note to self...must buy candles in town)
A quick trip to the Harper's Ferry
Bed and Breakfast
This will be our Home-Away-from-Trail for the Weekend!
First to check out the historic (now abandoned) Hilltop House (hotel)
https://youtu.be/MYRqSSANSYc
The amazing part is that the owner of the property released in January 2019 he has teamed with a luxury hotel developer and hopes to restore the Hilltop House to its 1888 glory. A former getaway to Mark Twain, Alexander Graham Bell, Carl Sandburg and other notables.
(...the hotel was abandoned in 2008...)
It also has the honorific title of being one of the most haunted hotels in West Virginia. Said to be haunted by the people from the civil war...also a little boy who died in Room 66 during a fire in 1917.
Exploring the abandoned hotel at night.
https://youtu.be/DLYLv3dSl-4
Harper's Ferry is a small town of less than 500 people. A designated Historic Town and Park.
The name dates back to the 18th Century ferry owner and operator:
Robert Harper.
In recent years, the apostrophe has been discarded, and the name changed to simply
Harpers Ferry
The ferry ended in 1824 with the addition of a covered wooden road bridge.
Also built, the first railroad bridge to span the Potomac River.
Harper's Ferry was the site of John Brown's Raid on October 16th 1859. Abolitionist John Brown led 21 men on a raid of the arsenal attempting to start an uprising and arm slaves throughout the South.
Now the pseudo-history lesson has to end and a hot bath drawn...clean clothes gathered and out to get a hot meal!
I'm thinking mushroom-stuffed ravioli with fresh morels and herbs!
See everyone after our Zero Weekend!
Love,
"Beans"
