At the end of the day, I had a brand new experience. I was literally chased down by a runner. He'd been following my blog, but his wife saw me. She couldn't believe it, told him, and he ran down the trail and caught me! New friend, Scott.
Here is what I love most about this piece of trail. See that little blue circle?
Here's a closer view.
This is about as cool as it gets! When the inexperienced George Washington was a mere 21 years old, in 1753, he was sent by the Virginia governor to the French at Fort LeBoeuf (near present-day Waterford, PA). He was to deliver a message that they were to move out of the area and relinquish all claims to the British. You can imagine how that went. Yeah... it was part of what started the French and Indian War.
On the return trip, Washington nearly froze after falling in the Allegheny River, and he was also shot at by an Indian who was apparently paid by the French. As we know now, Washington became wiser, and more savvy.
So what does this have to do with the North Country Trail? The NCT in Moraine State Park follows part of his outward route from Virginia. I was actually walking where George Washington passed. This just blows my mind! I spent part of the day picturing Scouts checking behind the big rocks, and soldiers marching through the mud. Lots of shouting and horsey sounds, and the thumping of leather boots.
Oh, and why is it Moraine State Park? The past three ice ages advanced to this point in Pennsylvania. Did they dump some rocks? Oh yes.
More signs of spring- a Student Conservation Association work crew out doing rock work on the trail. It's really great to have these crews of young people with endless energy out there working.
And some lovely skunk cabbage.
Finally- did I finally get a really good water pattern picture? Maybe, just maybe.
Miles today: 16.3. Total miles so far: 1465.4.
 | See McConnell's Mill SP |
5 comments:
Lulu: "Ooh, skunk cabbage! Can I roll in it?"
You're becoming quite famous. You are writing about walking where George Washington passed through but some day there will be people saying Joan passed through here in 2022.
Very cool to know you're walking where George Washington did! One day I may walk where George AND Joan did. :) Even though it stinks, skunk cabbage us beautiful as it starts to emerge in springtime. Our Isle Royale Moosewatch team looks for it when we're working through swamps because we know the ground will be solid enough to step on in that spot. The water photo is a beauty! April
Lulu- sure! It won't bother me. Dada might have a different opinion, though
Ann- haha!
April- yup. I like skunk cabbage
I love everything about this post! Strangers chasing you down! Walking in GW's footsteps! Imagining soldiers in the mud and scouts behind the rocks. Skunk Cabbage? I'll have to look that up! And the water pattern photo is perfect.
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