washington

my alarm beeped

I rolled out of bed and headed for the bathroom
I got my stuff together as quietly as I could then went to the kitchen Someone had put coffee on but god it was strong far too strong for me.

I grabbed the rest of my stuff that I may need and set off to the station .
One the far side of the tracks were several people . I guessed that this was the side I needed so crossed over. There were several other hikers that I had met but didn’t remember their names. So we chatted a while as we waited for our train.
Then there was an announcement saying that our train was delayed for 25 minutes. and so the next train through would be the freight train.

The freight train appeared 10 minutes later .and here in the US they are so long it seemed to be rolling pasts for ages the screeching and squealing of the wheels was deafening.
At last our train arrived and I border it has 2 decks so I went upstairs .. It was about a dozen stops till I reached the Capital.

Once off of the train I headed to capital hill and looked around the building. Then I decided to walk down to the mall. There seemed a lot going on there was a Spanish festival and one from Estonia.

I ignored these for now and headed to the obilisk. wow it was tall I admired it for quite a while

fore moving on to the Lincoln memorial.. On the way I passed through a very large and well designed war memorial..I walked around it several times before continuing.
A great great deal of the gardens and grounds were fenced off. and so I had to double back a few times . I was just getting near when the heavens open I managed to get inside just in time but then so did every ome else. so it was difficult to get a good photo

When the rain stopped I decided to visit the White house It had hoped to get closer but again every thing was fenced off. I was just about to take more photos when a policeman appeared yelling me that this path was now also closed. so reluctantly I did as I was told.

My tummy began to rumble informing me that it needed food. I googled pubs and found one to visit. hit directions and flowed the directions.
I ordered up a hippy IPA and found a seat and plugged in my phone

There were numerous yellow shirts wearing people, then I realised it was Brazil playing in the 2018 world cup.
I ordered some loaded fries and another beer one called “Too young to be a werewolf”. This one was good, tasty and refreshing.
As I sat enjoying my food and beer the rain was chucking it down outside. so, I decided to stay for a 3rd until it stopped raining.
When the sun came out it was roasting so I headed to the nearest museum which was natural history museum.
I really liked how it was laid out so mooched about for a while.
I exited out of the other side back into the Mall . As I walked along everything was in full swing . carving exhibitions , basket weaving . food shows etc. In the middle were 4 huge characters as I got nearer music started and they began to dance. I watched amazed for a while .
My next stop were some gardens .I wandered through , enjoying the aromas and the colours . There are so many things to visit that I was tight on time so headed for the Air & space museum. This was my thing and I liked looking at all the exhibits. They had a lunar module.

Several capsules part of one of the booster rockets that is huge. There is also a good selection of rides. You can pay $8 and go in as simulator, it looked fun but not today . as my time was almost up do headed back to the station almost running the last bit just in case.
At last I’m On the train heading back to Harper’s Ferry
I’ve had a good day.
Once back I thought I would grab a quick bite before walking back to the hostel. I walked upstairs created the bar lady again and went to sit outside
It was nice to see Kanye
She was on her own, so I joined her. I ordered a beer and a Ruben’s which was tasty. The waitresses accidentally poured a beer by mistake, so she gave it to me for free. Jayne and I talked for ages before I needed to leave.
I enjoyed the walk back to the hostel , I watched several deer trot along the road and the 100’s of fireflies doing their thing.
Once back, I sorted out my gear then jumped into the shower, then relaxed

Start 1024.8
Finish 1024.8
Miles ZERO. Still!

12th August
I woke early too early and then dozed till 7 am .I wandered off to the park to have a last shower. God those showers are good really powerful. I put my shorts on and air-dried the rest of me .before wandering along the river bank. As I walked back I came across Endure another Brit. .he was still waiting for his shoes to arrive at the post office. I called into the garage and grabbed a coffee before heading back to Shrek’s.

I began to pack up god why do I always have so much stuff .I emptied my tent onto the picnic bench and began to sort again .do I really need this. I dumped rubbish and extra food I put into a hiker box. Hats looking better I said to myself. I had no switched back to my bigger pack so everything now fitted in :0)
I still had a box unopened so I took it to the post office to bounce.
Once back at Shrek’s I dropped my tent tied it too my pack and I was good to go. Strange Bird was cooking more hash browns so I joined him for the left overs and lion King then appeared with coffee.
I caught up with my blog then I had to go. I hoisted my pack onto my pack said goodbyes and strolled out
I just wanted some cheese and bits then I was good to go. As i crossed the road I met two hikers coming from the post office. so gave then a quick run through of shreks, the best pubs the laundry where the loos and showers were.
Okay Washington here I come as i headed towards the bridge.
The toll booth lady greeted me like an old friend and high fived me told me I didn’t have to pay and wished me luck

I stopped and took a few photos before striding out. Now I was so looking forward to this crossing but as I walked. Out I was almost frozen to the spot with fear! It was fairly and the road was mesh meaning that you could look right down into the river below.
OMG I clutched the hand rail tightly and my poles with the other and sort of shuffled across and it was a long way I had to stare straight ahead. I must of looked stupid at last I could see the other side and began to relax my grip on the handrail and enjoy the last few metres whoop whoop I’m now in Washington.

I crossed the road and joined the trail. If I didn’t know better I could have said I was on an English overgrown footpath. It was covered in brambles. Stinging nettles. And those plants with the large balls that get stuck in your clothes and hair and other common English weeds. At last the trail was cut back and wide as. Began to climb. I knew it was going to be a tough day with lots of climbing and of course a full heavy pack
But I was feeling great only 480 miles to go thank you all for all your encouragement and comments. I wasn’t sure if I could get halfway

I’m almost there so thank you again everyone .I really appreciate it.
The wind began to pick up then there was a bright flash. Looks like I might be getting wet. Then there was an almighty BANG!!! which scared the shit out of me the thunder was so loud then it echoed all-round the valley OMG…..I pressed on as fast as I could as I was climbing up hill and would be all day .luckily I was in trees so I was staying fairly dry. But I stopped to put on my packs rain jacket and mine .I find I get just as wet with my jacket on as I just sweat
I pushed on for three hours before having to stop for a break.it was a nice spot I could camp here but it was only 4 pm I do another hour I said to myself and hoisted my pack onto my back. The rain had stopped but I was still getting soaked from all the plants up and up I went this bit was steep then great my favourite terrain ROCK. I stumbled over it and then some more and then some more .well I can’t camp here. Come on flat spot as my watch pinged 5 pm nothing then more rock to navigate around but this was a long stretch click clack my feet went as I walked over the stone. I was now tired, heavy pack, uphill and soaked .Oh a tent. I first thought it was Da-Vinchi but it was a couple. Would you mind if I was to join you?
The guy was from New Zealand she was Australian but lived in the USA.
I put up my tent and enjoyed a nice cup of tea. Then made dinner
then a familiar face appeared on the trail it was Foxxy. We chatted a while he had spent a few days in Portland
and had a new pack. Then he was off .he was trying to finish the climb tonight. I will finish it tomorrow.
Then Bed