Bucket List ~ C&O Canal, Day 5~We have arrived!

We have been talking about this adventure for twenty some years, and we have been planning, and training for it for the last year. Now we have finally arrived. We did it! We cycled from Cumberland to Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. in five days, doing around 40 miles per day. As amateurs, we feel very accomplished: Tired and happy!

Last night it rained hard on the tin roof at our Air B and B rental. We knew that this would cause major mud puddles along the part that was not paved, which is from mile marker 22 to 0. We were in for a mud splash bath. We were also hoping that it would not rain on us during our last 35 miles. We were blessed. Not one drop of rain fell on us, even though there were storms around us. We literally got our bikes in Leslie’s husband’s truck, came out of the parking garage, and the rain drops began to fall. We are grateful.

Caroline and Kevin took us back to White’s Ferry where our mutual friend Dee met us to join us for some of today’s journey. She and her husband did the full length of the canal years ago with their scout troops. She travelled with us for part of the way today. Unbeknownst to us, they had a surprise for us: At the end of our celebration dinner, they presented us with the award medals that are given to scouts who complete all 184.5 miles. It felt like the Camino prize all over again. What a nice gift.

The day was very overcast and a little foggy, but that actually made the new spring colors of redbud trees and dogwoods, spring phlox and blue bell colors pop. We saw blue herons at both the beginning and end of the trip, and we even saw a heron rookery, where the adult birds were flying back to their nests to feed the babies. There were probably around ten nests. We also loved seeing the bald eagle stalking the waters.

Some of today’s highlights included: The blue heron rookery; all of the many locks and their history; the colors of spring; Great Falls where we not only saw the rushing waters, but also saw some kayakers doing the rapids; the cliffs over Billy Goat Trail along the canal after Great Falls; The bald eagle; Entering into Georgetown and knowing we were traveling this historic trail; and of course, ARRIVING!

We met some very friendly people along the way, and a few asked about our trip. (Dee had a sign that said “D.C. or bust!”) Perhaps the most interesting person we met was Terrel, a librarian who actually showed us where to find marker number “o.” We went to the end of the trail in Georgetown, which in itself is not easy because of the way they have designed the beautiful waterfront. Leslie’s husband was waiting to take us home. The path stopped at some great signs telling about the trail, but there was no marker for “o.” It was Terrell who told us that the last .4 miles were blocked by the freeway, and we had to walk down another street, by the waterfront, past the boathouse, and we would find the marker there. He even offered to walk us there, an offer we gladly accepted! As he said, this is a symbol of life, finish well, and do not wish later, that you had done that last .4 mile that was difficult to find. Yes, indeed, there is much symbolism here.

As we were walking in front of the boat house, the scull teams were putting away their boats. They washed all the boats prior to putting them away, and we took advantage of their hose to wash the mud off of our bikes. Another gift along the journey, a free mud washing station.

Dee and her husband joined us for a celebration dinner at the Old Angler Inn, which is on the way out of town near the canal. (Yes, we did change out of our muddy clothes prior to eating in a nice place.)

Once again, we hope you enjoyed the virtual trip. We will write a post-script tomorrow, but for now, we are happy, tired, and need to go to bed. Thanks again for all the prayers for safety and well being.

Blessings,

Leslie, Teresa & Sarah

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