White's Ferry, in Maryland

Once upon a time the best way to cross a river was by ferry.  In the 19th century the C & O Canal Company put out of business more than a few ferry companies that crossed the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia.  Upstream from Washington, DC there were Edwards' Ferry, Spink's Ferry, Noland's Ferry, White's Ferry.  White's Ferry is the only public ferry left. 
Today was spectacularly beautiful out at White's Ferry.  The sun shone as best it can on these wintry days, and the sky was pale and beautifully blue.  A good day for a long walk on the C & O Canal towpath with friends.  There were just 8 of us:  Pat, Barbara, Bill, Linda & Tom, Debra, Laura, and me.  We started at White's Ferry and walked upstream about 3 miles, ate a little something, and turned about and walked back.  The ferry is iced in and not running right now - which must be a real pain for those commuters who cross the state line to drive to work.
Here's a few photos, and a link:


a bit of history

 

The  General Early is iced in and stuck for a while.



Rivers have a bad habit - they flood; note the height of the three most famous floods.

For some history, Wikipedia has a short one, including reference to a few of the recent times the ferry was shut down.  Reading that list, I'd avoid crossing in early December:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White's_Ferry
I drove home via Canal Road to Chain Bridge just to see what the skaters were up to.  And there they were - several hockey games in progress.  Little people and big people all playing together, and more arriving as I stood there.



Skaters and shadows on the C and O Canal at Chain Bridge, DC