Meyersdale, PA to Cumberland, MD 32 miles

Today we moved from Pennsylvania to Maryland crossing the Eastern Continental Divide and the Mason Dixon Line.  We also finished the GAP Trail and tomorrow we start the C&O Canal Towpath Trail.  The GAP followed the rail line of the abandoned Western Maryland Railroad.  We went thru three tunnels including Big Savage which cut under the crest of the Big Savage Mountain.  The tunnel was 3300 feet and so biking through it with limited lighting was fun and could be the subject of a future horror movie.

We climbed for the first 8.5 miles but then we dropped in elevation by 1600 feet in 24 miles so it was a fun ride down the mountain.  It was much more fun going down then going up.

I will also try to post some photos of the Levi-Deal mansion that we are staying in that was converted to a B&B.

Pre assembled, reassembled by the number old Iron Bridge

Mural on the wall in Meyersdale, PA

Sign at the beginning of today's ride

The iron bridge referenced earlier.

Eastern Continental Divide

The mural with GW, incorrectly referencing him as a Colonel in the British Army.

On the other side....

We are in the South, although hard to think of Maryland as the South

Big Savage 3300 ft. long tunnel and a feat of engineering

Confluence-Meyersdale

Today was one of the tougher days as it was somewhat muddy for about 5 miles and uphill all the way as we approach the Eastern Continental Divide.  The water (rivers, rain) on the east side of the Eastern Continental Divide flow into the Atlantic whereas the PA side eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico.  We are only 8 miles from the peak elevation of PA at Mount Davis and from there it is ALL downhill to DC and Georgetown.

The scenery was very green with the river being just beautiful as we biked with nothing, but the animals and birds.  This area is sparsely populated, but gorgeous.  I will try to post some more pics later.

We are staying at the Levi Deal mansion which is just a fabulous B& B.  Still hear 40-50 trains a day going through here no more than 100 feet from the house.  This is the main line going to Chicago and Pittsburgh.

Connellsville, PA to Confluence, PA

Biked on Tuesday, June 18th from Connellsville.  We passed through Ohiopyle which is one of the top whitewater rafting destinations in the Eastern U.S.  The scenery was very pretty and scenic as we are in the Laurel highlands.    It was just absolutely beautiful hearing the water as we biked upstream.  Our final destination was a restaurant and a B & B.  We are near where the Quecreek mining rescue took place a few years ago as well as the site of Flight 93 and the memorial.

Had lunch right on the water and totally enjoyed the view.  We had the entire 3 bedroom B & B to ourselves which was nice, but I think the beds were made for much smaller people.  The small beds and the constant trains (we are thinking there are more like 40-50 trains a day that pass and they each blow their whistle as required by law if there isn't a barricaded flashing sign at each crossing which there isn't.

Enjoy the pics.

 A coal seam in the rocks.  This is coal country.

West Newton, PA to Connellsville, PA

Today was a great day of biking.  Not too strenuous, not too hot, not too cold.  Just like perfect porridge.  We arrived in Connellsville and it is the perfect representation of a town that has just died.  At one time this was a very rich town and it is where Frick made his billions in the coke industry.  A different coke industry then you might be accustomed to.  You know a town has died when the furniture store also sells live bait as a secondary source of income.  We did see a copperhead and some nice scenery.

Anyway, when we checked in, we weren't really sure what the ear plugs on the night stand were for, but I think there are at least 20-30 trains a day that go through here as it is the main line heading east to Chicago and Pittsburgh from the East Coast.  If all the crossings are not blocked with auto devices, then the trains HAVE to honk their horns as they go thru.  This wouldn't be a problem if the tracks weren't 30 yards from the B & B.  Our B&B was nice however and did have a large "heavenly" bed, our best of the trip and our hosts were perfect hosts, so it was a good day.

 The Darr mining accident which killed 237

Boston, PA to West Newton, PA

Great Allegheny Passage (GAP).  Pittsburgh to D.C.  Day 1

Today started off a little miserable with rain, rain rain.  But we finally got started which gave us an excuse to go play in the mud.  It felt good to get muddy.  Staying in a nice little B & B (Bright Morning B & B) in West Newton, the first government in any settlement in the Northwest Territory with the river being an old crossing dating back to native Americans. Loaded with about 45 lbs of gear made the bike a little squirelly.  The trail was good for the most part and we survived today.  Great ride.

 Starting off packed with lots of something.  What the heck did my wife pack anyway????

 Sign showing D.C.  314 miles away.  Georgetown here we come.

 The Youghiogheny (YOCK)

N' At is Pittsburghese for "other stuff too".

Pittsburgh-DC, Day 1 on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail

Getting ready for Pittsburgh-D.C. (Great Allegheny Passage)

This Sunday we leave Pittsburgh biking on the Great Allegheny Passage and then continuing on the C & O canal towpath.  This is one of the most exciting "trails" in the country and follows a very scenic route.  Will keep everyone posted as this is very exciting for Leslie.