David Leeser Memorial Shelter (1,382 feet) mile 1,016.8 to the bridge over the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, WV (246 feet) mile 1026.1 for a 9.3 mile day.

Super exciting day here because I was hiking into Harpers Ferry, WV.

It’s a town, a point of land, at the intersection of the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River. It is home to the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center, John Browns fort, a civil war museum and many other historically significant buildings and places.

It is my kind of town, it’s all old!! Very little hotels though, only bed and breakfast type places and they aren’t cheap!!

I went ahead and crossed the railroad/pedestrian bridge into Maryland so that I could finish one state in one day, but actually it took me about 2.5 hours to hike the whole state, well, at least the 3 miles of the AT that are in the state. Hahah West Virginia is the state with the least amount of miles.

I then headed back into town to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants that I could find that was open. Harpers ferry is a town of old and of new, I was in the old historical town today, and when it’s not the weekend, there is not much open because there really aren’t that many folks around.

Above is Jefferson Rock, where in 1783 Thomas Jefferson stood over looking the town of Harpers Ferry on his visit here. Unfortunately, I was not able to see that view because the parks department says it is too unsafe and the balancing rock could fall since it isn’t as balanced as it once was.

Just passed the balanced Jefferson Rock, is the remains of the Episcopal Church. Before it was abandoned in 1895, it served as barracks and a hospital during the War between the North and the South, at which time it suffered considerable amounts of damage, but not the damage shown, this was all after it was abandoned.

I sat with “Link” at the restaurant because the place was short staffed and it was going to be 30-40 minutes before they would seat me and I didn’t have that sort of time. The waiter brought us the bill, he told Link that his meal was covered by a couple that had been sitting next to him because they were impressed with the attempt he was trying to make and how far he had made it already. So nice of them, but, the waiter told me, sorry, they didn’t pay yours, you’re on your own.! Haha Well, Link turned around and paid it forward and paid for my meal. Just another example of how great humanity really is, the humanity that you don’t hear about out here.

There is so much to write about this town. But I’m tired and ready for bed!

Mad Scientist out!