Friday September 9, 2023
We awoke this morning to the pleasant smell of bacon cooking. Debbie made us a wonderful breakfast of bacon, the most delicious eggs we’ve ever had and fresh fruit. We were well nurished for our final day on the trail.
It had rained early in the morning but had cleared by the time we started down the trail.
A short distance out of Meyersdale we were passing small farms. There was a sign that said “Fresh Donuts Today”. We may have been tempted but after our breakfast at Levi Deal Mansion we passed it up.
After a steady uphill pedal we reached the Eastern Continental Divide. It was about 8 miles out of Meyersdale and for the most part the end of our uphill journey.
We had started at an elevation of 712 feet in Pittsburgh and were now at 2,392 feet. Much of the time the elevation gain was seamless – at other times not so much.
Big Savage Tunnel was built by Western Maryland Railway and refurbished for bicyclists and hikers in 2003. The tunnel is closed during the winter months to protect it’s inner concrete liner from damage.
We made it over the Eastern Continental Divide, through the Big Savage Tunnel, across the Mason Dixon Line, through the Borden Tunnel and now only about 17 miles from Cumberland.
Following are some images from our pleasant downhill pedal into Cumberland.
We arrived in Cumberland with time to spare before our shuttle arrived to return us to Pittsburgh.
The TuTu Girls caught up with us in Cumberland and they convinced Lenny to join their TuTu ranks.
Our friends were headed for a hotel for the night and a much deserved massage for each of them. They will continue on the C&O Canal Towpath to Washington DC 184 miles away.
We said our goodbyes and wished them safe travels. Hope our paths cross again one day.
