Biking on the C&O canal final day

Another early start today. I have to ride about 62 miles so I'm riding early. The final day featured the Paw Paw Tunnel. The C&O Canal Company chose to dig a tunnel and cut through a mile long hunk of rock rather than follow the meandering loops of the Potomac River. It was originally projected to take 18 months. The first contractor went broke digging the tunnel. It lay dormant for a few years and construction resumed. It was completed 14 years after work began. The tunnel itself is 1/2 mile long. Boats used headlamps in the tunnel. I had a headlamp too but I could barely make out the uneven footing and puddles. To raise and lower boats to the tunnel a series of locks were needed, one after the other. That had to make it a slow ride. Nearing Cumberland, the trail becomes a bit rutted and is more exposed. The last 8 miles or so are through developed areas. Finally at MP 184.5 I arrive at the visit center, end of the trail and beginning of the GAP trail to Pittsburgh.