6/05/06 Monday: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Knoxville, MD to POGO Memorial Campsite (23mi)

PICTURES:
1. I didnt realize I would be crossing actual battlefields... This sign educated me about all Confederate dead being buried in unmarked graves when the Union won the field...
2. The War Correspondents Memorial was located at Gathland State Park. Its the only one of its kind in the country...
3. I walked down the Union line where the Michigan Troops held their ground after a hellish day of fighting. I looked across the field of battle where the Confederate Troops attempted to cross, unsuccessfully.
4. This is the AT along the Michigan line of battle with the stone wall on the right.
5/6/7. Can you imagine a small town deciding to build a memorial this size, what a monument and what a location.
8. After lealving the Washington Monument, I continued on my way north and came was passing the home of this couple who graciously provided me with some Trail Majic... We chatted long enough for me to tell these were beautiful people...
9. I still had time to make the Annapolis Rock for my sunset pic... What a stunning view. I sat there with another local gentleman who claims to make the trip almost daily... I certainly could see why...
10. A little further down the trail was Black Rock Cliffs... Another wonderful vista and a fitting end to a wonderful day...




I left the hostel about 0800 and headed out for breakfast at a diner not far off the trail. After having my favorite, a loaded omlette, I was once again off for points north. I had not really considered how far I would go today, but as with every other day, I estimate 20 miles and see how things go... I took a break after at 1015 at the Ed Garvey shelter and had a snack... I was soon off after chatting with a few of the occupants, still packing their bags, and felt pretty good, not stopping till 1415 at the Dahlgren Back Pack Campground. This place had flush toilets and showers...very unusual but very nice... I decided to have lunch at one of the many picnic tables there and chatted through lunch with Jaywalker... It was a beautiful day and I decided to get as many miles as possible in ... I picked POGO, since I could get there before dark and catch sunset at 2 cliffs. Annapolis Rock and Black Rock Cliffs... I got into POGO about 2020 and camped near Icetea, Slugger, and Sourdough on some pretty level tent spots... Shortly after my arrival it started to rain and the conversation broke up as we all headed for the shelter of our tents. I ended up eating in my tent, something I shouldnt do because if I drop some food in there I could get critters, but under the circumstances there was really no other option other than eating in the rain... The night was not to bad with intermittant rain which ended early enough for the tent to almost dry completely...