We started our ride at Great Falls Park and rode into Georgetown. For scenery, this is perhaps the most exquisite section of the canal. The south end of the canal looks much as it must have while it was in operation, and canal boats still carry tourists near Great Falls and Georgetown. Much of the northern end is mile after mile of dry ditch or occasional puddles, with a major exception being the section running from Town Creek to a couple miles past Oldtown.
The first fourteen miles of the canal are very crowded, and the blue herons seem to be very used to all of the people. One in particular appeared to be posing for pictures! We saw some turtles, too, but the wildlife was less abundant than in the more secluded northern end. The fishing, however, must be very good because numerous anglers were trying their luck.
There were three of us riding today, and Great Falls to Georgetown got an A, B, and C- respectively as we each graded it. Candee gave it the highest mark because of the scenery. The rapids at Great Falls were her favorite. She was also pleased that there was something new to look at around every bend. Candee's only regret was that her odometer was stolen from her bike in Georgetown while we were eating lunch!!!!!
Tom thought the scenery was some of the best so far, but the crowds were not to his liking. He dubbed the locals as "cretinous humanoids" with stereotypical "doe in the headlights" expressions, who walked five abreast down the middle of the path! To put it bluntly, the walkers, and many of the riders, were very rude and didn't want to move for anything or anybody. "You don't see this ridiculous behavior in Hancock, Little Orleans, or Paw Paw!," he muttered--something like fifty times.
Keegan, the teenager in the crew, gave this section the lowest score, claiming to be bored more than anything. He also got his shots in concerning the "city slickers," describing their behavior as "Tres rude!" This was the Keegman's first big ride, and he did his thirty miles like a trooper!
Let's break it down:
Scenery...A+. The highlights being the falls, actually seeing water in the canal for a change, and the mules pulling the barge in Georgetown.
Weather...A+. Seventy degrees worth of fall splendor!
The people...C-. This rating is for the thug that stole Candee's odometer and the trail hoggers. We did meet two nice guys who were completing their 184.5 mile run from Cumberland, Md. to Georgetown. It was fun talking to them about their experiences on the trail. We also met three guys in Georgetown that gave us suggestions on where to eat lunch. Good recommendation...Thanks!
Great Day!
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