https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14G8EGThPMa/ I left early this morning, pedaling out of Cumberland as the sun rose. The Airbnb was nice, but the neighborhood had me on edge, definitely one of the sketchier spots I've stayed in. Cumberland marks the end of the GAP trail and the beginning of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, a 184.5-mile trail that follows the old C&O canal route alongside the Potomac River. The trail surface was great, flat, shady, and made of packed crushed limestone. I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of cyclists out enjoying the cool start to the day. It wasn’t long before I reached the Paw Paw Tunnel, one of the canal’s most iconic features. The tunnel stretches over 3,000 feet through a ridge and was built in the 1850s to bypass a winding section of the Potomac. I had to stop and dig out my bike light before entering. The tunnel’s cool, damp air was a welcome change from the muggy heat quickly building outside. Once through, I pushed on down the trail. The route was mostly shaded by trees, with occasional breaks that offered views of the river, an old lock, or a train bridge towering overhead. Despite the shade, the heat wave made its presence known. The humidity clung to everything and made even flat miles feel heavy. I wrapped up the day in Williamsport, where I checked into a little bed and breakfast just off the trail. The room was cozy, and the small air conditioner worked hard to provide a bit of relief from the heat. I was grateful for every bit of it. It’s wild to say this, but I’ll be in Brunswick until Friday, and Friday marks the end of this tour. Just about 100 miles left. It doesn’t feel real yet. I can’t quite imagine not riding every day. After living so simply and so fully on the bike for the past couple months, it’ll definitely be an adjustment to return to “normal” life. If you’d like to support Veterans Expeditions and their work helping veterans heal through the outdoors, visit www.OneMileFundraiser.com. Thanks again for following along, A couple more days of trail ahead. As always, Keep on pedaling