A fun day of outdoor activities! We started by finding a geocache just off of the W&OD trail near Leesburg. Next, we crossed the Potomac River on White's Ferry and headed for the C&O Canal. We started our hike near milepost 40 and headed toward the Monocacy aqueduct. The aqueduct is considered by some to be the "crown jewel" of the C&O canal. Built in the 1830's, this seven span structure carried the canal over the Monocacy River. It has suffered structural damage over the years -- mainly from storms -- but is currently undergoing a complete renovation.
Following our hike, we headed to the Ball's Bluff battlefield where we toured the battlefield and park. It was here that the Confederates defeated a Union force on October 21, 1861. Our activities while at the park included searching for (and finding) another geocache.
Returned to Dranesville . . . so ended another great Troop 1018 day.
Finding the geocache
GPS in one hand . . . cache in the other White's Ferry crossing the Potomac River
The view from the ferry.
Lock 27, with the lockkeeper's house in the background
The Monocacy Aqueduct -- the C&O canal crosses the Monocacy river.
Renovation work at the aqueduct
The view down the river -- the confluence of the Monocacy & Potomac Rivers
Balls Bluff -- view from the bluff looking toward Maryland. The Union forces came from the Maryland side, crossing the Potomac River, to attack the Confederates.
Looking for another geocache
Found the geocache!