Sunday, December 6, 2009
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
My son, our dog, Dallas, and I took a short hike on the towpath from Carderock south to mile marker 9, about 3 miles round trip. The first snowfall of the season was yesterday and the path was slushy and the tree branches still held some soft snow. The weather was cool, in the low 40's, and it was overcast.
From approximately mile 10.5 to mile marker 9, we passed four locks (14-11) and went under the Capital Beltway (I-495). This is in an area known as "Seven Locks" where there are seven locks (#8-14) very close together. This photograph is of Lock 14
The noise near the beltway is deafening. It is a strange experience to walk under it and hear the roar overhead and echoing all around. We were glad to be clear of it.
There were three shallow places on the canal where several ducks congregated. They were all mallards except one brown one with a white bib. We also saw one pileated woodpecker, many robins and cardinals, several sparrows and finches. My son saw a deer and I said "no, that's two deer" and then we realized we were actually seeing three, only a short distance across the canal but in a heavily wooded area.
Several bicyclists passed us. One had a white dog, with black muddy spots from the tires splashing through the slush, perched in a wire basket on the rear. We saw a few other hikers and runners. Otherwise, we had the path to ourselves and enjoyed lively conversation and discussed my plan to hike all of the C&O Canal in the coming year. I am excited. My son suggested I get a map and begin marking off the areas I have already hiked.
It is hardly visible when the leaves are on the trees, but the Potomac River view was pretty between Carderock and the beltway and the sound of rushing water was very clear at one rocky point where the elevation dropped.
The snow enhanced the natural beauty of the day. It gave the canal character and was a wonderful backdrop for the dramatic trees and water views.
Back at Carderock park, we let the dog off leash and threw snowballs for him. We walked to the edge of the picnic area overlooking the river and enjoyed the pretty view below. Even at 3:00, the sun was falling and the shadows were long.
view of the Potomac River from Carderock Park
My son, our dog, Dallas, and I took a short hike on the towpath from Carderock south to mile marker 9, about 3 miles round trip. The first snowfall of the season was yesterday and the path was slushy and the tree branches still held some soft snow. The weather was cool, in the low 40's, and it was overcast.
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