Almost Heaven, West Virginia - Saturday, August 9, 2008

Today we decided to head to historic Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. The Biologist had been there a couple of times when she used to live in the D.C. area, but this was a first for the Marine, who happens to be a history lover. We took a beautiful drive through the countryside and made a few stops along the way for West Virginia Historical Markers and an Appalachian Trail Marker before arriving in Harper's Ferry (where we found another Appalachian Trail Marker just over the pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River to Maryland). We had a great time wandering around this lovely historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. We found several waymarks, but for the most part just enjoyed wandering around.

Of course, while we were wandering around we decided to check out the exhibits in the National Park Service's Information Center located in the old Master Armorer's House and what do you think we found?! A map showing the location of the historic Iron Ore Furnaces in the area. The Biologist quickly made her way to the information desk and asked a ranger about the map. He said that only one of those furnaces still exist... the Antietam Iron Furnace. Well, it just so happens we were planning to visit Antietam since we were so close. Really! No joke! Off to the furnace we went and then took a drive through the battlefield before calling it a day and making our way back to our hotel as we had a morning flight to catch.