We started out on the C&O, and almost immediately passed through the Paw Paw tunnel, which we’d heard that morning was a little bit treacherous. Although not too long, the surface is very bumpy and narrow, with curved brick wall on one side and the canal on the other side. We were grateful to all have strong lights. A few miles down the road, Dan had alerted us to a parallel, paved rail-trail which ran for about 30 miles, and actually cut a mile or so off of the C&O route. Knowing how many miles of bumpy gravel we have left, we were grateful to follow the pavement. Dan had even showed us how to climb up to the trail a few miles before it was signed. We enjoyed several hours of smooth, flat riding, often with the C&O within view to our right.
We stopped for “second breakfast” in Hancock, and apparently tried opening the door of a bakery which had not yet opened enough times that the manager finally came out and let us in (in fairness, it was 20 minutes past their posted opening time). We enjoyed another hearty meal, and continued on our way. The last 16 miles, we rejoined the C&O which took us right to Williamsport where we are staying the night. Our hotel is right next to a Waffle House, so I expect we will be there for breakfast. I have not eaten at one in over a decade, but I trust that Alex will be a good guide.
We are at mile point 99.6 on the C&O, which means early tomorrow morning we will be within 100 miles of our endpoint for the journey. Tomorrow, we plan to have a shorter day to Brunswick, which will be our penultimate stop of the trip.
By the numbers:
Miles traveled: 57
Total Climbing: 397 ft.
Average pace: 12.6 mph
Low point: 395 ft.
Average temperature: 76F
Sticks caught in my fender: 4
Leaves caught in my fender: what felt like thousands
States traveled in: 2
Touring cyclists spotted: 11
Wow so beautiful.
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