ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newsletter Available Online
The Adventuring Newsletter is available on-line at www.adventuring.org. Because new trip descriptions can be added at any time, our on-line Newsletter will be continuously updated, making it worth your while to check us out frequently. You may also register to receive our free monthly e-newsletter of upcoming trips at http://www.adventuring.org/newsletter.htm.
Blade article features Craig Howell
One of our very own - Long-time Adventurer and Coordinator "Emeritus", Craig Howell - was recently interviewed by The Washington Blade. A copy of this excellent article appears online: http://www.washblade.com/2007/12-21/outindc/queery/11789.cfm.
After Work Bike Rides to Begin
Another season of Arlington Evening Bike Rides began on May 6. All riders are welcome on these weekly rides, including new riders and those who might be a little out of practice. Rides will maintain a relaxed pace, providing ample opportunities to socialize and enjoy our surroundings.
Routes will vary from week to week and will employ the various bike trails and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington. Rides will finish by sunset, with ride distance dependent on the length of evening sunlight. Afterwards those interested in joining a social, after-ride dinner may gather at a designated nearby restaurant, which will vary from week to week.
This summer-long series of evening bike rides will continue each Tuesday through the end of August. Join the rides whenever and as often as you like. Meet at the Clarendon Metro Station by 6:25 PM. Rides begin by 6:30 sharp. See the ride descriptions for additional details.
PREVIOUS TRIP
REPORTS
Rock Creek - Capital Crescent Bike Ride (Scott)
The chill in the air of late has felt more wintry than spring-like, but on this April afternoon it was nothing but glorious spring cycling weather…..particularly since we pushed back the start time to 12:00 noon which allowed lingering morning showers to pass through. With a few new faces, a few almost new faces, and a few very familiar faces; an interesting mix of seven cyclists set out on the Rock Creek Trail to Georgetown, where we connected onto the Capital Crescent Trail. We paused for a leisurely alfresco lunch in Bethesda before completing our loop back down through Rock Creek Park to our starting point at Pierce Mill.
Northern Rock Creek Hike (Brett)
Fourteen Adventurers enjoyed a beautiful day exploring the ‘wilds’ of Northern Rock Creek Park. As usual, our first stop was the North Corner Boundary Marker of the original District of Columbia, pictured. [There is a Wikipedia article entitled “Boundary Stones (District of Columbia)” for those interested; whatever did we do before Wikipedia??] Then we bushwhacked into the tony North Portal Estates neighborhood and eventually onto the Western Ridge Trail. Our crossing of mighty Pinehurst Branch (pictured) was a great success, granting us courage to charge the north face of Fort DeRussy; we celebrated our successful capture of the Fort by posing for a picture at the plaque. After a quick restroom stop at the Visitor Center, we descended to the Creek to lunch. During lunch, two brave Adventurers managed to cross the Creek on boulders; of the four boots that crossed, only one got wet! Then it was ‘boots back on the ground’ as we followed the Valley Trail back to North Portal and Silver Spring. Afterwards, four of us enjoyed an early dinner and margaritas at Mi Rancho.
Northern Central Railroad Trail Hike (Craig)
Despite forecasts for clearing skies and warming temperatures, cool, overcast, misty conditions persisted all day, making it seem more like late March than late April. But six Adventurers enjoyed our outing on the Northern Central Railroad Trail anyway, thanks to the pleasant springtime scenery embracing us with every step. Most of our stroll was next to streams, with Little Falls ("falls" being the local term for brook, creek or run) providing the most attractive settings; indeed, we lunched at a NOAA-financed overlook atop a rather impressive cascade, which we dubbed the Great Falls of the Little Falls. No copperheads appeared here or elsewhere, although signs warned they might be lurking about. Numerous wildflowers and dogwood were seen throughout our journey, peppered with an occasional redbud. Our itinerary took us past several ghost towns that were major stops back when the railroad was in its prime; all that was left of one such place was a fitness course, like you see in Rock Creek Park. As we neared the hike's end, we discovered an interesting Nature Preserve embedded in the surrounding Park, a Preserve distinctive for an abundance of blue blazes on virtually every tree in sight. The one mystery we were unable to resolve was the meaning of the large "W" appearing on many markers next to the trail. "Water?" "Washington?" "West?" The world wonders.
Boyce and Berryville Ride (Scott)
Springtime in the Shenandoah Valley, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s provided the backdrop for a spectacular outing. While our group of six cyclists kept to lightly traveled byways rolling over mostly gentle terrain, clear blue skies offered wonderful visas of the Blue Ridge Mountains off in the distance.
At the furthest extent of our loop we passed briefly into West Virginia, where we cycled passed the rumble of high testosterone vehicles on the racetrack at Summit Point. A few miles later we turned onto the very delightful Springstown Road, tree-lined on either side providing a nice canopy as the virtually untraveled narrow bitumen meandered through the bucolic piedmont.
We reached Berryville at mile 26, where we stopped to refuel. After grazing through a potpourri of local food shops and gathering various delectable morsels, we gathered around a picnic table in the very nicely groomed city park. After lunch we had but 10 miles remaining before reaching our cars in the hamlet of Boyce for the hour’s drive back to the city.
Trillium Hike (Craig)
After threatening all week to hurl thunderbolts and tornadoes on Sunday, our friendly if mercurial neighborhood weather gods relented and instead bestowed a stunningly clear and warm day for this year's Trillium Hike. The flamboyance and abundance of the trillium did not disappoint our 13 Adventurers (including our old friend Werner, recently relocated to the East Coast from southern Arizona), though the showy orchis and a few other wildflowers were not quite ready for prime time. The trails in the Thompson Wildlife Management Area were overrun with nature lovers, many of whom were members of other area outdoors groups like Wanderbirds and the Center Club. The unexpected star of today's outing was Blizzard, a pet ferret possessed of great charm and charisma, who enlivened our stop at the Manassas Gap Shelter. We ended our delightful walk in beauty with a refreshingly uneventful crossing of that sometimes-sneaky stream 100 yards from our parking lot.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride (Scott)
Some new faces, some familiar faces, balmy 80 degree weather, and azaleas in peak bloom made this ride a fantastic beginning to this summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. Twelve cyclists came out for the evening’s 12 mile loop, designed to take in the best of azalea season in Arlington, using the W&OD Trail, the Custis Trail, and quiet neighborhood streets. Upon returning to Clarendon just before sunset, eleven folks were able to stay around and conclude the enjoyable evening with conversation and al fresco dining at Nam Viet Restaurant.
After work rides continue every Tuesday evening at 6:25pm. Each week’s route is designed so that the ride is completed by sunset. Ride distances gradually increase in length with increasingly later sunsets, but then gradually decrease in length after the summer solstice. All riders, including new riders and those who may be a little out of practice, are welcome to join the weekly adventure whenever and as often as possible.
TRIP DETAILS
Front Royal Camping-CANCELLED
May 09-11
(Fri-Sun); Jim (202) 445-1305
(This trip has been cancelled.) Time to brush off those tents and sleeping bags, campers! Get an
early start to the camping season by heading to nearby Front
Royal, VA to camp along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. We'll be in the same secluded camp site used for the annual Jacuzzi Trip, close to where the river forms a natural jacuzzi. Cost will be $10 per person per night; some of us are headed out there Friday night, others Saturday. If there is enough interest, the trip leader will try to set up a potluck for Saturday. Contact him for further information.
Great Allegheny Passage Bike Ride
May 10
(Sat); Kent 202-487-8520
This bike ride will traverse a scenic portion of The Great Allegheny Passage rail trail from Frostburg, MD, to Meyersdale PA. The route is approx. 32 miles round-trip on a mostly gravel surface with generally modest grades. This is not your typical 'flat' rail-trail, however, as the railroad had to climb approx. 900 feet from Frostburg to reach the Big Savage Mountain Tunnel, the highest point on the entire passage. We'll plan to eat lunch somewhere in Meyersdale, our turnaround point. Check the weather forecasts and dress appropriately, as there are few places to take shelter on this ride. Bring a water bottle, helmet and tire patch kit, along with any snacks you may want for the trip, plus a $2 trip fee. The ride will start at 10:30 AM from the trailhead parking lot in Frostburg. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and/or need directions.
C&O Canal @ Monocacy Aqueduct Hike
May 10
(Sat); Don (703) 683-3724
This C&O Canal hike will begin at the recently restored Monocacy Aqueduct in Frederick County, MD, about an hour’s drive from D.C. Our easy round-trip hike will total 8 miles, much of it among the tall oaks and sycamores that give this stretch a cathedral feel. Bring lunch and water. The total cost will be under $10. We will meet at the top of the escalator of the Crystal City Metro at 9:00 a.m. Anyone wanting to meet our group at the trailhead should contact the trip leader. No dogs, please.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
May 13
(Tue); Rob (703) 283-1008
This ride is the second in the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides maintain a relaxed pace, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. Using bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets the destination of this week's 13 mile loop is Falls Church and the historic west corner monument of the original District of Columbia boundary. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
State Line-Wilson Cove Hike
May 17
(Sat); Edward (202) 249-9238
Trod along the state line between West By God Virginia and plain old Virginia atop Great North Mountain, then return through the seldom-visited Wilson Cove. Starting outside of Wardensville, WV, we'll climb steeply along the misnamed County Line Trail (should be the State Line Trail) to the crest of Great North Mountain. After lunch at an overlook and a quick inspection of the Paul Gerhard Shelter, we'll plunge downhill on a Rocky-Mountain-steep road covered with loose stones; watch your step, please! We'll then walk on mostly level ground, first in Vances Cove and then in Wilson Cove, where we can marvel at the sight of healthy, reproducing chestnut trees, before returning to our cars through a dramatic gorge. Total length of this strenuous circuit hike is 11.6 miles, with 1300 feet of elevation gain. Bring beverages, a bag lunch, and bug spray. Transportation and trip fees should be under $20. Meet at 9 a.m. in the East Falls Church Kiss & Ride lot(the small one to your right when you walk out of the station). Please contact the trip leader in advance.
Taneytown to Gettysburg Ride
May 18
(Sun); Tom (410) 462-2495
A 45 mile ride from Taneytown to Gettysburg. Lovely vistas, almost all rural roads, scant hills and low traffic. Start 1030 Taneytown Memorial Park. No go if forecast at www.wunderground.com for Taneytown (zip 21787) is rain 40% or greater. Ride leader is coming from Baltimore; call him if you wish coordination of car pooling from DC. Call if in doubt. Home phone 410 462-2495 until 0800 day of ride after which time use cell – 410-299-1712. Bring water, $2 trip fee, helmet, and lunch if you wish or can purchase lunch in Gettysburg.
Directions to ride start: I-270 to Frederick then US 15 north to Emmitsburg where right turn onto route 140 to Taneytown. Go 6+ miles & turn right into Taneytown Memorial Park. Spot-a-pot at ride start.
Neighbor Mountain-Knob Mountain Hike
May 18
(Sun); Craig (202) 462-0535
The good news is that the bulk of this hike will be along basically level or gently graded terrain atop Neighbor Mountain and Knob Mountain in the northern section of Shenandoah National Park. The bad news is that smack in the middle of our expedition there will be a sharp decline of Neighbor Mountain, followed immediately by a challenging crossing of Jeremy's Run, followed immediately in turn by a prolonged steep ascent of Knob Mountain. The rest of our way to Elkwallow should seem like a snap. This very strenuous one-way hike of nearly 11 miles, with 2200 feet of cumulative elevation gain, is recommended for experienced and/or aerobically fit hikers only. Bring 2 or 3 liters of water, a bag lunch, bug spray and sunscreen; sturdy hiking boots are another must. Park admission, transportation and trip fees should be under $20. Meet at 9 a.m. in the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot (to your right as you walk out of the station). Because a car shuttle is required for this hike, anyone who can drive should be sure to contact the trip leader in advance.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
May 20
(Tue); Sean (703) 798-1235
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides use bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington and are relaxed paced, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. The quaint and hip-becoming neighborhood of Del Ray in Alexandria is the destination of this week’s 15 mile loop. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
Hoover Camp Hike
May 25
(Sun); Craig (202) 462-0535
We'll begin this year's Memorial Day Weekend outing to Herbert Hoover's Blue Ridge Mountain fishing retreat, his version of Camp David deep in the heart of what is now Shenandoah National Park, with a stroll along the edge of Big Meadows. We'll then dip down to Mill Prong and follow this stream past a waterfall into Hoover Camp, where we'll lunch and play tourists for a while. As a special treat, we should be able to get into the Presidential Cabin, just as we did last year. Afterwards we'll continue downhill a short while to the Rapidan Road, which we'll follow for no little distance as it winds its stately way back up to Big Meadows. Total length of this strenuous circuit hike will not exceed 10 miles, with about 1200 feet of elevation gain. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray and sunscreen. SNP admission, transportation and trip fees should be around $20. Meet at 9 a.m. in the East Falls Church Metro Station Kiss & Ride lot (to your right as you exit the station).
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
May 27
(Tue); Rob (703) 283-1008
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides are on bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington and are relaxed paced, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. In honor of Memorial Day this 14 mile route will visit several monuments and memorials. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
Merkle / Nottingham Bike Ride
May 31
(Sat); Jerry 703-920-6871
This is a great, lesser-known 33-mile ride in Maryland with nice scenery and lightly traveled roads. The ride offers quiet country lanes, weathered tobacco barns, a centuries-old brick cruciform church, undulating cultivated fields, peaceful wetlands, and a lovely lunch spot beside the placid Patuxent River This ride is based on the "The Sanctuary" from "Chuck and Gail's Favorite Bike Rides" (copyright 1994) and is rated as moderately hilly. Bring a lunch because there's virtually no place to buy food along the route. Call the trip leader for meeting time and place.
Duncan Knob Circuit Hike
Jun 01
(Sun); Brett 202-236-9968
This strenuous 9-mile hike in the Massanuttens near Luray, VA, one of the stars in PATC’s "Circuit Hikes" guide, promises to be a good day’s workout. Total cumulative elevation gain will be about 2,000 feet. Starting from Crisman Hollow, we'll head on up to the Peach Orchard Gap campsite, a popular rest spot and also the jumping-off point for our assault on Duncan Knob's impressive 300-foot rock scramble. After enjoying our lunch on the summit amidst spectacular southward views, we'll scramble back down the rocks and explore the lower elevations nearby. Bring water, a bag lunch, bug spray, and sunscreen. Transportation and trip fees should be about $15. We will meet at 9 AM at the East Falls Church Metro Station North Parking Lot. Please RSVP to the trip leader, either by e-mail or phone. Drivers needed.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jun 03
(Tue); Scott (703) 535-7356
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides are on bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington and are relaxed paced, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. This week’s 17 mile route loops north of Arlington into the lovely wooded neighborhood of Chesterbrook with its opulent mansions. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
Dogwood & Mountain Laurel Hike
Jun 07
(Sat); John D. (240) 358-1555
Come celebrate National Trails Day with this beautiful hike in northern Maryland. Gambrill State Park runs along the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains outside of Frederick, MD, where the dogwood blooms at the end of May while the mountain laurel blooms at the beginning of June. With luck, we will catch both some lingering dogwood and incoming laurel in full glory with this circuit hike along the park's Yellow Poplar Trail. Although at 10 miles it is the longest of the six trails in the park, it is only moderately difficult. Total elevation gain is about 1000 feet. Gambrill State Park offers dramatic views of farmland and forest from several stone overlooks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, with the overlook on our Yellow Poplar Trail providing a bird’s-eye view of Frederick and nearby Sugarloaf Mountain. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a bag lunch. Transportation and trip fees should be under $10. Meet at 9 a.m. inside the Shady Grove Metro Station by the station attendant's kiosk.
Anacostia Trails Ride
Jun 07
(Sat); Kent 202-487-8520
This surprisingly interesting 24-mile ride takes us on a few city streets of northeast DC, then along the Prince George's Anacostia watershed trails, and through the University of Maryland campus. It is a moderately easy and slow-paced ride and will allow us to discover some new neighborhoods and some interesting scenery along Washington's "other" river. Meet at 10:00 in the Parking lot of Brookland/CUA Metro Station (near 10th and Newton, NE). Bring a sack lunch (to eat on the banks of Lake Artemesia), water, helmet, tire patch kit and the $2 trip fee. Call the trip leader for more information or if the weather seems questionable.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jun 10
(Tue); Sean (703) 798-1235
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides are on bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington and are relaxed paced, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. The lovely neighborhood of Beverly Hills......Alexandria, is the destination of this week’s 17 mile route. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
Davidsonville Ride
Jun 14
(Sat); Tom (410) 462-2495
A 38 mile ride from Davidsonville Elementary School. Meet 1000 at Davidsonville ES. No go if www.wunderground.com forecast for Davidsonville (zipcode 21035) is rain 40% or greater. Ride leader coming from Baltimore; call if you wish coordination of car pooling from DC. Call if weather is doubtful, use home phone 410-462-2495 until 0800 day of ride after which time use cell – 410-299-1712. Bring water, $2 trip fee, helmet, and lunch if you wish or can buy chow on route.
Directions to ride start: route 50 east from Washington toward Annapolis to exit 16 to Maryland route 424 south. Go south 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Maryland 214 aka Central avenue. Go 0.8 mile, turn right to school.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jun 17
(Tue); Rob (703) 283-1008
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides are on bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington and are relaxed paced, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. The destination of this week’s 18 mile route is the Lake Barcroft neighborhood in Fairfax County. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jun 24
(Tue); Scott (703) 535-7356
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides are on bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential streets in and around Arlington and are relaxed paced, providing opportunity to socialize and enjoy our surroundings. This week’s 20 mile route loops into Fairfax County where we will navigate the paved paths through the wilds of Round Tree Park, where we will encounter a small creek to ford. But it will not be necessary for any bike or person to get wet as cute, but steady "stepping stones" are provided. Riders interesting in joining the after-ride dinner may gather at a to-be-determined local restaurant.
Meet at 6:25pm by the Clarendon Metro station elevator entrance (Wilson Blvd. and Highland St.) and the ride starts promptly at 6:30pm. Bring helmet, water, and $2 for Adventuring. New riders are welcome as well as those who might be a little out of practice. Free on-street parking is available. Contact the ride leader for additional information, or just show up. Definitely call the ride leader if the weather is questionable.
Short Sheetz Ride
Jul 12
(Sat); Kent 202-487-8520
A scenic, 45-mile ride through the Monocacy River valley from Frederick, MD to Thurmont, MD and back. Well worth the drive to Frederick. From there, we cross the Monocacy and then head north, with great views of the valley and Catoctin Mountain. (Two or three hills are nasty and brutish, but short.) Then we go back across the river for lunch at Sheetz and a mostly flat ride home. There may be slurpees at the store in Lewistown if the machine is working, but it usually isn’t. Meet at Monocacy Middle School in Frederick (8009 Opossumtown Pike) at 10:30 am. Don’t forget to bring a helmet, adequate water, a tire patch kit, and $2 bucks for the Adventuring coffers. Call the trip leader if you need directions or help with carpooling, and if the weather looks iffy.
Adventuring Picnic - Hold the Date!!
Jul 19
(Sat); Brett 202-236-9968
Mark your calendar now for the annual Adventuring Picnic. This year's picnic will again be held at Rock Creek Park, but in a **new location**: near Miller's Cabin, on Beach Drive just north of Military Road. (Some parking may be available at the lot nearby.) Lunch will commence at noon — rain or shine. Adventuring will provide grilled food (hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs), rolls, condiments and ice. Please bring a side dish and a beverage to share (no alcohol is permitted in the park). Volleyball, hikes and other activities to follow lunch. Pre-registration details to be provided later, so continue to watch this space!!
Jacuzzi Canoe Trip
Aug 02-03
(Sat-Sun); Jim (202) 445-1305
This is known as the "Jacuzzi" canoe trip because of the river-wide ledge over which the 85-degree water of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River tumbles and forms a natural jacuzzi, in which we bask for an hour during the afternoon. No prior canoeing experience is required. The trip lasts 5 to 6 hours on Sunday and covers about 16 miles of bucolic, rural scenery along the Shenandoah just south of Front Royal, VA. The trip has an optional camp-over Saturday night. If you are coming just for the canoeing, you should leave DC around 8 AM on Sunday; the drive takes about 90 minutes. We usually get off the river about 5 PM and return to DC between 9 and 10 PM, having dinner along the way in Front Royal. As part of the optional prelude to the trip, you may travel down on Saturday and camp right beside the river at the jacuzzi ledge. This allows participants to spend hours playing in the river, eat supper, have starlit frolics, camp overnight, and then meet up with the Sunday-only people after a prolonged camp breakfast. We will have a potluck Saturday night, so plan to bring a dish to share. Tentatively, the trip costs $40 per person if you canoe on Sunday only; canoeing and camping is $50; camping only is $10, and the shuttle fee is $10 per canoe or kayak, if you bring your own. We will also have a couple who are doing only the camping portion who will be willing to make us lunch when we arrive at the ledge. There will be a $5 fee to help cover the cost of food. Sign up early as space is limited. Transportation is extra. Contact the trip leader for further information.
Paw Paw Tunnel Hike
Aug 31
(Sun); Craig (202) 462-0535
Dynamic Lollygagging™ at its best! The 3/5-mile-long Paw Paw Tunnel near Cumberland is the most impressive construction feature on Maryland's C&O Canal, and it's time for Adventuring's annual pilgrimage, co-sponsored again this year by the Chrysalis Arts & Culture Group. We're doing it on Labor Day Weekend, later than usual this year, in hopes that the numerous paw paws will actually be bearing edible fruit this time. After hiking through the tunnel, we'll continue downstream to our lunch spot on the banks of the Potomac. Another two miles further will bring us to our traditional turnaround spot, still suitable for swimming. Our return route goes up and over the ridge the tunnel tunnels through. Total length of this easy-to-moderate hike is about 8 miles, with a few hundred feet of elevation gain, some of it a bit steep. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro. Bring plenty of beverages, a bag lunch, a towel and swimwear (if you're intrepid), and a flashlight. Transportation and trip fees should be around $25. We'll dine in Hancock on the way back.
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