Town Hall in Harpers Ferry

If you look closely you will notice something unusual about this building........ the post office, police dept., and liquor store are all neighbors. Seemed a bit odd to me for a Town Hall.

Who is this bearded man ?

I am standing in front of the Appalachian Trail headquarters bldg.

Harpers Ferry

My buddies the "broomstick brothers" as we enter Harpers Ferry, W.VA.

and 10 minutes later when it began to pour. Taken from my hostel , the Town Inn.  Harpers Ferry was a very important town during the civil war. It was here that the bloodiest day of the war took place. An estimated 21,000 men were wounded during the battle of Antietam nearby. The town was very strategic because this is where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet.

A new State..... Finally !

 After a long and hot 550 miles, I have entered West Virginia. The home of the Appalachian Trail headquarters in Harpers Ferry. Mile 1017

Bear Den Hostel

One of the nicest hostels on the entire trail. It is owned by the Appalachial Trail Conservancy, and operated by the Potomac AT club. The hiker special ; bunk, pizza, shower, laundry, and a pint of Ben & Jerrys ice cream. All for a mere $27.50.......WOW !   only drawback, no a/c.

Sunset as seen from Bear Den Rocks about a 1/4 mile behind the hostel.

The " Roller Coaster "

This section of the trail is/was very difficult. The nickname comes from what is 10-12 closely packed steep ascents and descents with no flat ground in between. It was at least 100 degrees with 90+ % humidity the two days I rolled through here. Thank God there was plenty of streams to refill my water bottles.

On my way up a 400 + ft. steep and rocky section of the roller coaster. What a Ride !

Sky Meadow State Park, VA.

There were wild rasberries and blackberries along both sides of the trail through this beautiful sate park. Another day of 100 + temps, but we did have a slight breeze.