Day 12 - Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry has been inundated by floodwaters more than a dozen times since white settlement. Three bridges have been washed away and 42 people died in the 1870 flood. Many of the buildings in the lower part of Harpers Ferry are now set up as museums or displays showing how the early shops and buildings would have looked in the 1800s. These are managed by the National Parks Service, but there are no staff supervising any of the exhibits. The record flood height is 36 feet.

In one building there were markers showing the height of the two 1996 floods, both of which were above our heads at 29 feet.

The nation's essential infrastructure is desperately in need of attention. We walked over the rusty bridge that spans the Potomac River. It carries several goods trains every day.

This creature was wandering around the ruins of the Chesapeake-Ohio Canal. It is about the size of a huge cat. We think it is related to the badger family but can't identify exactly what it is.

The Ledge House B & B is very spacious and comfortable. Our host Annie is originally from Northern Ireland. Unfortunately the historic property needs some attention. The view is special, but without a car it is a steep climb to get here and return from outings. However, it has one huge advantage over a boring hotel - this place has two cats but so far we have only seen Maria.