I can’t think of much to say about the GAP and C&O that hasn’t been said many times in many ways. It was a beautiful trail through a part of the country I treasure.
I thought I should carry something on the trail that would bring some of my own personality to the trip, and I couldn’t think of anything better than my banjo. I’ve fallen in love with the instrument and the music of Appalachia, so I couldn’t leave it behind while my friend and I biked over the eastern continental divide from Pittsburgh to DC.
Along the way, I had many opportunities to play in solitude along the river or in a town for a few people who were interested. I’ve never been a musician. I’ve only been studying in earnest for the past year and change, so learning a skill that could fill a dull moment with music or entertain passersby for a time brought me joy that will stick with me for a while. I’m motivated more than ever to keep practicing and incorporate music into my travels.
This was also a farewell trip with my good friend (who you see in all these pictures). He is moving to the opposite coast this winter, so I am glad we could get a week together to bike through the woods and mountains. We made more memories and shared many meals. He was the one to get me onto a bike in the first place when he became a pioneer of bike commuting in our friend group in Boston. He’s added so much to my life in a short time, and I’ll miss him a lot.
Now I’m riding the train back to Boston where I’ll have one fewer friend down the street but so many more memories and more motivation than ever to see what is possible when I forgo the doubts about weight, put my faith in zip ties and metal, and carry those clunky things cause that’s good fun.
by kevino_