Day 8: to Little Orleans. 44 mi

Began riding the C&O today, a National Park. So there is no extra money to improve the towpath that accompanied this commercial canal and it I'd just "maintained". A chance to ride 180 miles without cars brings over a million riders each year. It was George Washington's vision with only one profitable year. The competition from the railroad which arrived in Cumberland first and a final flood, put it out of business in 1924.
Puddles & debris. The logical result of rain & wind from the day before. Had to work hard to keep from sliding. Caught a branch in my derailleur a couple of times, stopped me instantly, but luckily I did at fall.
Misty most of the day, new rain gear kept me clean but didn't really need it for the weather. Gerda had a spill in her ebike, branch caught in her gears, stopped her instantly and she headed for the Potomac. Fortunately she just bruised, unfortunately she will most likely be sore in the morning.
Our journey today also included walking our bikes through the 3/5 mi PawPaw tunnel that took 12 years to build bypassing 5 miles of canal. Not the most brilliant decision and one that almost ended the project. In addition the Irish had continuous disputes (many deadly) with English and German laborers, brought in to speed up the work.

We are staying at a B&B at the top of a hill overlooking three states and the valley below, but a foggy day inhibited our view.. The opulent cholesterol laden spread for meals has been given the dubious distinction of being the best food along the trail. There were baked russet and sweet potatoes and fresh fruit as sides at dinner so I was very happy. The proprietor saw me eating potatoes so gave me more for breakfast...fine with me.

Sent from my bicycle


Sent from my bicycle