Route 340 at the Shenandoah River.
I thought we'd start up in the woods at the West Virginia/Virginia line, but Mom put a stop to that. Not only is it in the woods with no parking nearby, but it's a million feet in the air. (Mom is a Civil War buff, that's why she knows all about Loudoun Heights.)
This sign is at the parking area by the Shenandoah. The Appalachian Trail goes right through the town of Harpers Ferry to the Potomac River.
These evil shoes bruised my toenails last October at the Delaware Water Gap. But Mom made me wear them. Something about my street sandals being inappropriate anti-tick, anti-snake gear.
The trail goes up from the Shenandoah River to a small ridge.
You can't get too lost if you look for a white blaze. That's the boss-blaze, the top dog of trail blazes. It means you're on the Appalachian Trail.
Jefferson Rock. Why is there a rock named after Jefferson? I don't know. But I'm sure Mom knows. Traveling these parts with her is like bringing along an audio encyclopedia. I have this trait about certain things. No idea where I got it from.
Jefferson Rock.
The view from Jefferson Rock reminded me of the view from Mt. Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap.
Looking north towards the town of Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah and the Potomac meet.
Mom and a big rock.
Descending into Harpers Ferry.
John Brown Fort. I asked my Civil War-scholar mother: "So was John Brown a lunatic or a hero?" "Both," she answered.
Marie at the pointy bit of West Virginia.
That's Maryland over there.
You can take an Amtrak or a Maryland commuter rail train to Harpers Ferry.
The C&O Canal tow path on the Maryland side.
After retrieving one car from the train station lot, we drove up to Bolivar Heights to a viewpoint over the town.
Near the Bolivar Heights Battlefield.
