Miles: 1042.0 | Crossing the Potomac River marks our official entry into Maryland, leaving Harpers Ferry behind under clear skies and renewed energy. Easy terrain, sunshine, and a stop at Gathland State Park set the tone for a relaxed day, capped by an indulgent fresh-cooked dinner of steak, asparagus, and pasta at the backpacker campground. With full bellies, a new pack that feels like a jet pack, and Huevos joining us for camp, the trail feels joyful and balanced again.
Huevos joined us for the day and we all went back to the ATC in the morning to pay for my post cards and get Miles a tag for his backpack because he lost his. Afterwards we headed back down the blue blaze to the trail. The trail led us through historic Harpers Ferry and over a bridge:
Miles loved his new pack. He did a little dance and said it made him feel like he was wearing a jet pack.
At the backpacker camp Miles and I arrived first. We set up next to each other near a picnic table. Huevos arrived an hour or so later and hung out with us before bed. It was a great day!
The three of us, happy and energized, finally crossed the bridge over the Potomac River into Maryland! We could see where the flooding had damaged the trail.
Maryland brought us easy terrain and sunshine. There weren’t many viable water sources along the way so we stopped at Gathland State Park as we walked through it to get some water.
Under the pavilion we set up to make an early dinner. Miles and I had splurged at WalMart the day before and bought a $4 nonstick frying pan that weighed 11oz along with a pair of tongs.
For dinner we packed some steaks, asparagus, and pasta. I sprinkled marinade on the steaks and cooked them in olive oil. I almost dropped them because the pan wasn’t balanced properly! But they came out great. After I cooked up the asparagus and pasta. We shared a bit with Huevos who was nice enough to let us use some of his fuel when I ran out. Dinner was incredible. It was so nice to have fresh, home cooked dinner.
