The Place: The C&O Canal
Wednesday, June 23, 2004; Page C16
The C&O Canal didn't last long as a way of moving goods from place to place -- the railroad came along just as the canal was being built. Still, the canal is an amazing place.
"Captain Kate" author Carolyn Reeder writes about the canal: "Today, you'll see ducks and geese (and maybe a kayak or canoe) on the C&O Canal instead of huge boats loaded with coal. You'll see runners, cyclists, casual walkers, and serious hikers -- including scout troops -- on the towpath instead of the mules that pulled the boats. But there are still reminders of the days when the C&O was a busy workplace. The locks that worked like 'water elevators' to raise and lower boats going up and down the canal are still there. The lock tenders' houses are, too. Walking beside this historic waterway is one of my favorite pastimes. Spring wildflowers, autumn foliage, summer's hum of life or winter's stillness -- the C&O is a special place all year round."
Lucky for us, it's all very close by.
© 2004 The Washington Post Company
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Author Carolyn Reeder.
(Courtesy Carolyn Reeder)
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