Map by Terry Lively 1998

The Log Book: Our Cruise on the South Branch July 13-27, 1919 By Harold Field Sunday, July 13th — The "Party" left Charleston at 7 P.M. on C&O train #2, bound for Petersburg, W.Va., via Washington and other points in the East, this being the shortest and most convenient way to get to our starting point. The camp duffle and canoe had been shipped several days previous by express and we carried with us only personal articles of a sundry nature. Included in the shipment was our canoe (an 18' Mullins model), 7'x9' wedge tent, three bed sacks with blankets for three, cooking kit, box of provisions, fishing tackle, and minor camp necessities such as axes, lights, baskets, cordage, first aid to ourselves and to the canoe, straps, ponchos, etc. This we prayerfully hoped would be at our destination awaiting our appearance on the scene.

Sunday, July 13th — The "Party" left Charleston at 7 P.M. on C&O train #2, bound for Petersburg, W.Va., via Washington and other points in the East, this being the shortest and most convenient way to get to our starting point.

The camp duffle and canoe had been shipped several days previous by express and we carried with us only personal articles of a sundry nature. Included in the shipment was our canoe (an 18' Mullins model), 7'x9' wedge tent, three bed sacks with blankets for three, cooking kit, box of provisions, fishing tackle, and minor camp necessities such as axes, lights, baskets, cordage, first aid to ourselves and to the canoe, straps, ponchos, etc. This we prayerfully hoped would be at our destination awaiting our appearance on the scene.

Monday, July 14th -- Weather, fair. We awoke somewhere in Virginia and soon ascertained that the train was on time and making good headway. The captain (H.W. Zeigler) was out first and after gaining the main deck and finishing dressing, awoke the mate (H.W. Field) and midshipman (Clifford Repass). The latter's foot slipped as he swung down from his hammock and fouled the occupant of the lower berth, whose feminine outcry caused the midshipman to stage a quick getaway in the direction of the wash room. No harm done, however.

Breakfast was in order as we neared Washington. The train was on time and this allowed sufficient time for a quick trip up-town, where some needed repairs to the captain's watch were secured.

Back to the station and, after an interview with the ticket agent, we purchased tickets to Petersburg. Had dinner on the train and changed to the mixed train which was to carry us up the branch line which follows the South Branch river to Petersburg.

... the intrepid travelers continued their canoe- going adventure. The Potomac River was broader and busier than what they had experienced along the South Branch. Now, with West Virginia on their starboard and Maryland on their port side, they braved rain storms, snapping turtles, and less-than-ideal fishing conditions and generally had a wonderful time.

Harold, the "mate," left the excursion on Sunday, July 27 in Harper's Ferry where he caught a train back to Charleston. His companions, H.W. Zeigler and Clifford Repass, the "captain" and "midshipman," continued for another two days, finally paddling 14 miles up the Monocacy River in Maryland. There the canoe was sold, and the travelers traded in their sea legs for a much- deserved pair of train tickets.

They had covered nearly 250 nautical miles in a little over two weeks. It was a grand adventure, and they immediately began making plans to do it again. - ed.

You can read the rest of this article in the Summer 1998 issue of Goldenseal, available in bookstores, libraries or direct from Goldenseal.