A few years ago, I heard of The Appalachian Trail (AT) from Greg, my colleague, and had went on a camping trip with him at Deleware Water Gap. The trail starts in Georgia in the south and runs north through the East Coast up to Maine, a total of 2,178 miles. There are two main colored markers, white and blue, painted on trees, rocks and signposts along the footpath. Hikers follow the main white markers while the blue markers are side trails leading to scenic spots.
My journey walking across Maryland (41 miles with elevation between 230—1,880 feet) began with Yiting who sent out an email asking if anyone was interested to go on this trip organized by a group of Mensans. Since Greg had mentioned that he would like to hike the entire 2,000 miles trail one day, I invited him along. We could not make it for the Friday day hike as we were either at work or studying. However, we drove to the camp ground on Friday night and decided to set up camp in the twilight before driving to town for dinner. There was only a pizza place and two pubs opened on a Friday night. When I asked a local, who was sitting outside one of the pubs, if there was another place nearby, he said, "None. It is a small town." Well, we stuck to the pizza place and every customer who came in knew one another. Thereafter, we drove to a supermarket to get breakfast for Sat and Sun.
It was a wise decision to set up camp because it was pitch dark when we got back from dinner. I had a hard time sleeping as there was a big rock directly under my back.
Early next morning, we took bottles of water and some snacks, and for me, my heavy digital SLR, while leaving the tents in the car. We headed south towards Annapolis Rock where we would have lunch and rock climb. The second day trail began with a steep ascend till we reached a ridge. I could still remember a boy scout hiking at Delaware Water Gaps complaining about rocks everywhere. It seemed that most parts of the trail are rocky which is bad since my ankles were twisted a few times.
As I had camped at Annapolis Rock this spring (Apr 18-19), I led the way. When we reached there, the scenery was spectacular from the vista. Previously, I did not have my camera then during the spring camping trip, which was why I carried my heavy camera with me for this hike. We also got to rock climb off the face of Annapolis Rock. It had been a while since I did climbing during my undergrad days. My legs started to tremble as I got higher. I managed to touch the carabiner at the summit before being belayed. From an old timer, the belayer, who had done WAM for 24 times, I learned that I could be a Mensa member since I had a Ph.D. degree. He told me a Master and above was sufficient. From then on, three of us (Yiting, Greg and I) made jokes relating to Mensa.
We proceeded towards the Washington Monument State Park, which was the first monument to the first president of the USA. Climbing up the tower was a torture after hiking about 10 miles but the view atop was beautiful. With a 360-degree view, one could see historic Antietam National Battlefield, Hagerstown where I shopped at the outlets and White Tail Ski resort among other landmarks. Along the way, I took pictures of pinkish Mountain Laurel which I found out was poisonous if ingested. The flowers looked pretty and the bell-shaped buds were cute.
At Turner Gaps, this was where support cars would shuttle drivers to get their cars back from Wolfsville Road. Also, we set up camp at the Hikers Campground which had hot shower available. It was a luxury and I showered without towel or soap. I just flicked off the extra moisture and put on a clean set of clothing. Dinner was stir-fried vegetables cooked Chinese-style with Chinese sauces and chilli. I did not know that Americans like Chinese food so much.
Greg and I decided to cover out tent although we had wanted to see the stars at night. As I was exhausted from lack of sleep on Saturday and hiking, I slept almost immediately upon lying down. Well, in the middle of the night, it started to pour and many got out to cover their tents while we continue to be dry. Another good decision.
On Sunday, it was a torture to hike the remaining journey. However, lunch was delicious. We had fried chicken, deviled egg, spaghetti, salad, potato salad, and dessert cake and fruits. Marshall, the organizer, thought of this wonderful treat some years back as they were craving for something delicious on the last day.
We were told to go to Weverton Cliffs, a blue marker trail, which overlooks the Potomac River. We took a 15-minute breather while drinking in the natural beauty of the place. I was caught looking over the precipice to see the height of the cliff.
The last part was easy as the trail was flat and followed the C&O Canal towpath for less than three miles before we crossed the footbridge across the Potomac River to Harpers Ferry, WV. Along the towpath, I could see white water kayakers and river rafters floating down the river which reminded me of my canoeing and kayaking trips along the same stretch. We had finished walking all the way (minus Friday hike) across Maryland. In Harpers Ferry, we had dinner at a local restaurant before parting our ways. They hoped that we would be backed for their 25th anniversary next year.
For me, it was an accomplishment and had enjoyed the hike even though it was strenuous.
Walk Across Maryland pictures.
Delaware Water Gap pictures.
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