On The Way

 This is what the trail looked like for much of the journey.  Basically crushed gravel.  Other parts were two dirt ruts.  However, the Canal Trust and NPS are working to improve the trail.  Near Oldtown the trail is improved with a cambered surface that helps with drainage and is comfortable for both walking and biking.  

Mile 184.5 (or Mile 0 as we're going west to east)

I met up with my hiking party the day before we stepped off. Our group consists of me, my 14-year old daughter, my co-worker, and her friend. We took this picture at the mule statue at Canal Place in Cumberland, at the start of the towpath.  

 I found it very difficult to post from the trail, as cell service was spotty at best.  So get ready for a series of posts from the trail while off the trail!  

When we got to Cumberland, my daughter and I took this picture from the western terminus.  Its 184.5 miles from here to Washington D.C.!

Cumberland!

 We’re in Cumberland!  The hike starts tomorrow morning!  Now, I need to figure out how to post photos from my phone. 

Itinerary!

 Here's the trip itinerary, with each day's destination.  If you're in the area and want to walk a few miles with me, or just drop in to camp to spend some time (pizza and beer are much appreciated) you'll know where I'll be at the end of each day.  I have a hotel stay in Hancock, and B&B's in Shepherdstown and Harper's Ferry.  At Swain's Lock I'm staying in a restored lockhouse.  Hopefully, I'll make the entire route, but if not, due to injury or exhaustion, I do have bug-out options.  

6/7:  Leave Cumberland, destination Pigman’s Ferry

6/8:  Sorrel Ridge

6/9:  15 Mile Creek/Little Orleans

6/10:  Leopard’s Mill

6/11:  Hancock, MD

6/12:  Zero mile day, Hancock

6/13:  Fort Frederick

6/14:  Cumberland Valley

6/15:  Big Woods

6/16:  Shepherdstown, WV Thomas Shepherd Inn

6/17:  Zero mile day, Shepherdstown

6/18:  Harper’s Ferry  The Town's Inn

6/19:  Calico Rocks

6/20:  Turtle Run

6/21:  Swain’s Lock  Lockhouse  

6/22:  Georgetown, D.C.  End trip  The Georgetown House

Almost time to step off!

 We're in  the final phase of prep work!  I have my pack sitting at 33 pounds right now after doing some further adjustments and gear swap pouts.  My daughter's pack is just over 16 pounds, but will be a bit heavier once we get her spare clothes and sleeping bag on.  She should still weigh in at under 20 pounds though.

   We've already had one unfortunate change.  One of my hiking buddies had to drop out due to illness, so our party for the first week is now four.  This required some changes with the support teams, but everyone is now on the same page, so I'm looking forward to some happy hiking!

What I'm Taking

 Here's my gear list:   Backpack, tent, sleeping pad, headlamp, trekking poles, lantern, inflatable pillow, compass, change of clothes, hiking boots, liner socks, outer socks, poncho, slides (for camp), Jetboil stove, extra fuel can, collapsable bowl, spork, camp soap, water bottles, bear sack, tp, wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, extra moleskin, knife, small axe, first aid kit, lighter and matches, emergency fuel/fire starter, small chess set, leather cribbage board, pack of cards, water purification filter, Life Straw, water purification tabs, sports powders, food for five days, garbage bag, 20' of twine, 25' nylon rope, cook pots, duct tape, tablet, solar phone charger. I'm sitting at just over 35 pounds.

So that's everything all laid out. Here's what it looks like packed up:

I think I'm going to swap out the self inflating sleeping pad for an accordion style one. Its a bit lighter and can be strapped to the outside. The self inflating one takes up too much pack space, in my opinion. I was trying to stay under 35 pounds, but the pack rides comfortably when I wore it around the neighborhood. Of course, things will get lighter as I eat my way through some of the food! The adventure begins in 19 days!