I slept Saturday night at the C&O canal Pennyfield lockhouse. Remember how hot that day was at 90 degrees. Imagine my surprise to find that the thick stone walls of this 150+ year old home kept it perfectly cool inside. We enjoyed the sound of rushing water, cooked outside in a firepit, and saw several great blue heron. We walked by moonlight along the canal at night accompanied by a chorus of frogs, including the occasional bass call of bull frogs. The sky was clear enough we could see the Big Dipper and other stars, a passing satellite, and a distinct shooting star. The one negative, outhouses, was balanced by the chance to walk outside and watch the stars and twinkling fireflies.
What a great outing for a family -- experience something of life from the past. Bring along bikes or kayaks and explore the water and trails of the C&O Canal. For information on renting a lockhouse for a night call 301-745-8888 or visit www.CanalQuarters.org.