It ain't no use to grumble and complain;
It's jest as cheap and easy to rejoice:
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain,
W'y, rain's my choice.
From a weather perspective our biking outing was only missing snow. We had driving rain, strong winds, clear blue skies and a star-filled night sky.
We met sharply at 8:45 on Saturday and headed off to Brunswick MD about 6 miles shy of hitting Haprers Ferry. About ¾ of a mile short of the campsite we crossed over a double set of train tracks. Little did we know that that would be an issue later in the day.
We set up camp in a lovely spot near the Potomac and feasted on our usual lunchtime food source, sandwiches. Once all had had their fill we strolled down to the outfitter and chose our two-wheeled steeds and lids, huddled up, counted off and then headed up the canal towards Harpers Ferry. The tow path was generally dry but had the odd patch of dampness, Oh how that was going to change in a matter of minutes.
Arriving in Harpers Ferry three brave dads volunteered to keep watch of the bikes while the others crossed the river to explore Harpers Ferry. Ice creams and funnel cake were had (and NONE were brought back to the fearless soles on watch!!) and then as we remounted the heavens opened. Our spottily damp tow path became a water-covered mud bath and for the next hour 21 scouts and 10 parents headed east, only the kayakers on our right were whopping for joy! The rain was hard, the wind was fierce and our bodies were becoming browner by every rotation of the pedals. In other words we were caked in mud and soaking wet.
When we returned to the campsite several tents had literally decided enough was enough and blown away. They were retrieved and re-staked. The storm passed, the sun came out but the wind decided to stay and play some more.
Great food was prepared by the grubmasters Ben, Brandon and Charlie. After the excitement of the afternoon our bellies were full of lovely warm offerings (Texas stew, foil dinners and pineapple chicken) and washed down with hot chocolate. The temperature dropped overnight into the mid-40s so it was a little chilly but all did well.
When we got up at 7 we implemented a new policy of dropping all tents before we ate. It worked really well and the boys seemed to like it (except of course the ones that like to hide in their tents and get an extra 10 minutes tucked up in their snug little sleeping bags!!).
Variations of omelets and train wreck we eaten and we then headed back to McLean.
Thanks to Mr. Smedes for organizing and everybody for being surprisingly chipper given our afternoon drenching. As Mr. Forrer said to the boys on Sunday morning, “we will be going out in weather that is not perfect, if you prepare for it you can still have fun”, and we did.
Old Rag is up next on Sunday, then the 20 miler on June 5th followed by the beach outing 10-12th. See you tomorrow.
MWS
Note: opening is from a poem by James Whitcomb Riley