Train Derailment, Harper's Ferry

No injuries, no toxic waste.



Growing up in the DC suburbs, Harper's Ferry is a tourist draw for field trips and such.  It's a neat little historical tourist trap.

And it is right by the C&O Canal, a popular hiking trail I really appreciated as a boy scout. 

You see, a canal towpath is level.  Much preferred for backpacking than the Appalachian trail. 

And that reminded me of my first 50 mile hike.  We started in Cumberland and went south on the C&O.  Five day in April.  We got there late and the first spot we camped was Spring Gap.

Just a few miles by the light of the moon.   The train track, I could swore, was on our side of the river.  Apparently not.  But it was close, as you see here.

And  in the mid 80s, those freights never ceased.  All night long and into the morning.  Constant.  Did not sleep well the first night.  None of us. 

Anyway, the Harper's Ferry derailment took me back to then.  No benzene.