Day 3, 24 April, Ed Garvey Shelter (16.6 mi)

I was fairly impressed with the number of excellent sites in Washington Co., MD.  Not only do they have the REAL Washington monument (see to the left), built about 75 years before the one in DC, but they also have some very interesting historical buildings and sites.  I think that is one of the best things about hiking the AT in a state that I have not visited- I really feel like I have learned a lot about that state.  This was certainly true for WV, MD, and PA.  It was just a great day for hiking, and the day was broken up by the different places to visit.
      To the right is a neat little stone chapel that I passed. Apparently a very wealthy lady in the area had it built because she didn't want to travel into town to worship.  When she died the building sat vacant for some time, and then was sold to folks who do weddings and receptions.  It is no longer a church.
   Another interesting place that the AT runs pass is the Civil War Correspon- dents Monument, which is located where the battle of South Mtn took place.  This civil war battle was one of only a few offensive attacks by Lee and the Confederates.  The monument paid honor to those women and men who gave their lives informing the public about the war and its effects on the local residents.  The monument is actually about 30-40 feet tall and the names of all the correspondents are written into the edifice.
  Regardless of the number of wonderful views and sites that are present on any given day of hiking, it always relieving to see the shelter.  In particular this afternoon, there was a predicted shower so it is nice to make the shelter before the rain.  I spent the afternoon speaking with a couple from Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC.  I also met two of my future south-bounding friends, Cobweb and Magnolio.  Here is a view of the shelter, and then the sunrise on the following morning.