New River Trail

Before we left Hagerstown, we had this vivid sunrise to get our day started.

Then continued southwest to Dublin, Virginia. Stayed at Claytor Lake State Park so we could ride the new River Trail. Unfortunately we only road about 13 miles until it rained too much to enjoy the ride.

The trail runs along Claytor Lake for several miles through woods and some lake front homes.

called Sandy to ask if we could arrive a day early since it’s supposed to rain most of the day tomorrow. So we’ll be staying in Jonesborough from Tuesday through Sunday.

South to Hagerstown & the C & O Trail

Left Jim Thorpe and drove south to Hagerstown to ride the C & O Canal trail. The canal originally was for the mules to walk along the canal as they “towed” the canal boats along the waterway.

Tonight we stay at the Thick and Thin Brewery.

Before we had a brew, we drove to the C & O Canal National Historical Park to get my stamp for my Passport Book and to ride the trail. The trail was along the canal on the right and the Potomac on the left.

Since we got a later start, we only rode 15 miles this time.

Tomorrow we’ll keep driving south towards the New River Trail.

Day 3 in Jim Thorpe

Today is the Lehigh BBQ. So drove back to Bethlehem. Good food, desserts were the BEST.

After the BBQ, drove back to the RV in Jim Thorpe and took the bikes on the D & L trail again. This time we rode to Sladington and back for a 30 mile ride. This ride we had the canal on our left and the Lehigh River on the right. Another nice and relaxing ride.

Tomorrow we drive to Hagerstown to ride the C & O Trail. We will stay at the Harvest Host, Thick and Thin Brewery.

Jim Thorpe - Day 2

The rain has stopped and we have blue skies. Time to ride. Drove to the trailhead in Jim Thorpe and started our ride on the D & L (Delaware and Lehigh) Rail Trail.

The leaves are changing their colors but not as vivid as other years.

Rode about 30 miles on the nicely maintained gravel trail along the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Gorge.

For dinner we met Nathan and Andrea at the Flying Pig in Bethlehem.

Tomorrow we have the Lehigh tailgate BBQ.

25th Anniversary Adventures

Started our 25th adventures on September 24 at Jim Thorpe. Campground. Our initial plan was to bike and hike through the Lehigh Valley.

As the time got closer, it appeared like we were going to get the much needed rain but we didn’t cancel.

Our first day at the campground we were able to take a 2.5 mile hike on the Switchback Trail before it rained.

On our 2nd day, we drove into Jim Thorpe and walked around the town. The buildings are well maintained Victorian style.

With rain still in the forecast, we decided to take the Old Jail Museum tour. This is where the Molly Maguires were hanged. Learned quite a lot of history about the jail. Wasn’t a place you wanted to stay.

This is the main hallway with cells for males to the right and left. looking into one of the cells. Not a very inviting place to spend your time.

Next, our guide took us to the dungeon. This was solitary confinement. He said that prisoners could spend 2 days to 2 weeks here … no light, very little food.

One of the luxury cells had a toilet and sink. The others, just a bucket!

Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be sunny with a few clouds but hopefully no rain so we will get the bikes out on the trail.

Day 1 - September 19 - Harper’s Ferry

We set up camp along the Potomac River - beautiful spot.

Then we drove to Harper’s Ferry National Park. The town of Harpers Ferry is the National Park, which I didn’t realize. We walked around town and visited several stores. Winter got her first Passport Book and started with her first stamp.

Here are a few of the buildings we visited: the industry building, the general store and a preserve house with furnishings…look at the tiny sewing machine.

At the end of the town, we walked to where three national trails meet at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian trail goes right through Harper’s Ferry.

Had dinner at a pub and grille in the park.

Weather was great. Sunny with a little breeze.

Day 2 - Antietam Battlefield

First stop was at the Washington Monument. Villagers of the town of Boonsboro celebrated their independence by building this monument on July 4,1827.

We had to hike up to the monument using a short part of the Appalachian Trail

The view at the top was expansive and quite clear.

From there we drove to the Antietam Visitor Centre to get our passport books stamped and to learn more about the battles fought here.

Had a picnic lunch on the Visitor Centre’s grounds.

Next we used the audio tour to learn more about this battle.

This device called the Magic Lantern from the 1600s was interesting to me - the first projector. The historian told us how it was used back then.

On the way to our last stop, there was a winery called Antietam Creek in the middle of the battlefield. Of course we stopped for a tasting. They were celebrating their 10th Anniversary. The venue was a beautiful remodeled barn.

On our way back to the RV, we stopped at the C&O Canal Visitor’s Centre but unfortunately they had closed at 4 pm. Guess we’ll need to come back. Lots of biking and hiking to do.

Frustrated with Blogger

While we were in North Carolina, my blog software stopped working. I have so many memories on there. Finally figured out that I now have to pay to blog. Geez … very frustrating but the blog has been restored! Hope you enjoy reading.

Crawfish Boil

Shannon, Arlo, Gale, and I traveled down to Burlington, North Carolina for the crawfish boil that Kiersten and Will were hosting. We just fit. Nothing else could be loaded!

We made the first leg of our trip to Harrisonburg with 2 stops. The first one was a Cacapon State Park to play in the playground. Thought it was for Arlo, but we all enjoyed it 🤣

We drove to James Madison’s Arboretum for a walk. Really nice way to stretch our legs. 

Next day we made it to our AirBnB in Burlington. Nice neighborhood. Can walk to their arboretum where we met Will, Kiersten and their 3 kids, Lucas, Sadie, and Maverick. Felt like we’ve always known them. The kids are amazing. 

Saturday was the crawfish boil. What an awesome experience. Will had rented a slip and slide for the kids … and big kids!

Meet the Silva's, Timothy, Erin and Kiersten

The slip and slide was a HUGE hit with everyone, not just the kids.

Anyone like some okra? Has a pretty flower

Arlo and Maverick bonded almost immediately. They both had so much fun. 

Once it got dark, Will built a fire for s’mores. Great way to end a wonderful day.