Swain's Lock Revisted and Los Federales

Checking out a map, I noticed that a trail is marked on the inland side of Swain's Lock so I went back to see if I could find these routes. As you head into the parking lot, a wooden foot bridge on the left hand side would be the obvious starting point heading upstream.

The Potomac is running high and is a just a couple of shades lighter than the color of milk chocolate.

Unfortunately, this trail led up a steep bluff and dead ended in the yards of two private residences. Searching the downstream side of the parking lot turned up nothing. However, I'm pretty sure you can pick up the Fordham Mine Trail from the C&C Canal visitor's center. Too bad it will be a straight up and back trail. Never trust a map when you can find out about a trail on foot.

Here is the same shot four days earlier with flat gray light from an overcast sky.

While walking the canal again in this section, I spent some time tossing the tennis ball into the water until Loki started to tire out. I switched him back onto his leash so he could catch his breath while walking and a good thing too. Just a minute later, some Park Rangers came around the corner in their SUV. Unthinkingly as I passed them, I wave to the officers with my plastic throwing stick complete with tennis ball in it. Of course, Loki was still sopping wet so it was pretty obvious he'd been off leash. I didn't realize it until a bit later that the Park Rangers may have been less than pleased with my gesture.

Los Federales. Good luck and tired dog saved me from a $50 ticket.

Wild flowers on the edge of the canal.