*

*Events and Announcements listed below are subject to change and/or cancellation. Check the web site or contact the trip leader for a trip to determine if it has been cancelled or rescheduled.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Important Information: Liability: Adventuring is a not-for-profit organization operated entirely by volunteers. The activities sponsored by Adventuring are cooperative in nature; individuals participate at their own risk and with the understanding that trip leaders are not experts. The Adventuring organization and its individual volunteers take no responsibility and disclaim any liability for accident or injury associated with its activities. Trip Fees: In order to support the operation of its program, Adventuring assesses a trip fee of $2 per participant for day trips and $4 for trips longer than a day. Trip fees are payable to the trip leader on or by the date of the activity. Transportation Fees: Trip leaders may assess a transportation fee to reimburse drivers for the expense of group carpools. This fee is calculated at the rate of 15 cents per mile per vehicle and is divided among the carpooling participants.

The Adventuring Committee: These are the people who coordinate Adventuring's programs. Please give them a call if you have any questions, ideas, or if you want to help out.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TeamDC now includes Adventuring.org
Our own Wheels trip leader, Rob McGuire, also serves as publicity director for Team DC. Team DC is a clearinghouse for information about the various GLBT sports teams, clubs, and events in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It is a volunteer-based organization that provides information and support to GLBT individuals and sport clubs active in our area. Team DC also coordinates the areas delegation to the Gay Games and Cultural Festival, which is held every four years.

In an ongoing effort to increase our participation and outreach, we've recently been included in TeamDC's clearinghouse for information - their website links, group list, Sportsgram newsletter, etc - alongside other DC area GLBT 'sports' and outdoor organizations.

Adventuring.org participants are encouraged to sign up for TeamDC's monthly Sportsgram, which will include not only our upcoming trips, but other interesting social activities sponsored by TeamDC and other included organizations:

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/team_d_c/

Please let your Trip Leader know if you heard about us from TeamDC.

After Work Bike Rides on Monday Evenings
Another season of after work Arlington Evening Bike Rides have begun, this year weekly on Monday evenings. Rides will maintain a relaxed pace and all riders are welcome, including new riders and those who might be a little out of practice.

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 will gather at a reasonably priced local restaurant, which may vary from week to week.

This summer-long series of evening bike rides will continue each Monday 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.

Metro Weekly Article re 30th Anniversary
Metro Weekly has done a great article about Adventuring's 30th Anniversary Hike, a reenactment of of the original hike in May of 1979. Interviews with Craig Howell and Hy Ludmer. Check out the article here: http://www.metroweekly.com/gauge/?ak=4233

PREVIOUS TRIP REPORTS

Buck Ridge-Marys Rock Hike (Craig)
Our Memorial Day Weekend hike is traditionally a Homecoming for far-flung Adventurers, and this year was no exception, as our party of 8 included John from Berkeley, Ron from Tucson, and Wendy from College Park. After squeezing our two cars into an already- overcrowded parking area, we started by hopping lightly across Thornton River and Buck Hollow Run on user-friendly boulders, bringing back memories of days when fording these raging torrents could be a major headache. Immediately thereafter we attacked the notorious Buck Ridge Trail, which initially ascends at a steep 35-degree angle. Luckily for us, though, PATC trail crews have been installing log steps here. Even as we huffed and puffed our way up, we ran into a crew from UVA which was helping to improve the trail as their way of participating in Alternative Spring Break. It took most of us forever to finish the rest of the Buck Ridge Trail; however, our two resident jackrabbits covered the 2.7-mile trail in just one hour, a good half-hour quicker than the rest of us. Another hour or so found us at the gateway to Marys Rock, where we lunched far from the madding crowd at a lovely rock outcrop we dubbed Wendys Rock. By this time the hitherto-clear skies had suddenly begun to appear more threatening. By the time we reached Marys Rock itself, the scene was positively Wagnerian: Angry, low-hanging storm clouds were just across Thornton Gap and seemed ready to pounce upon us all. But amazingly enough, Wotan and Thor never did unleash their full fury, and all we ever got was a gentle rain during the final mile or so of our descent through Buck Hollow. After the hike, we drove to the pub at the nearby Blue Rock Inn to dry out and recuperate, only to find it closed for renovations and/or a wedding.

Rose River Loop Hike (Arthur)
Five Adventurers took advantage of a rare day without rain to hike the Rose River Loop Trail in central Shenandoah National Park. Starting from Fisher’s Gap on Skyline Drive on a pleasantly cool day, we walked down the trail and enjoyed hearing the Rose River falls (67’) in full voice. After a pleasant lunch next the highest of the cascades, we reluctantly tore ourselves away to hike to the Dark Hollow Falls trail, where we enjoyed more falls (70 feet's worth) and made the steep ascent back to Skyline Drive alongside the aptly-named Hogcamp Branch. We walked over to the Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows to view the interesting exhibit on the history of the Park and the legendary Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The leader’s plan to take a further hike along the Story of the Forest trail was cut short by threatening skies and raindrops. Instead we beat a hasty retreat to Fisher’s Gap and the safety of our cars. But weather being what it is in Shenandoah, by the time we got to the parking lot, the sky was clear and sunny once again.

Gambrill State Park Hike (John D.)
Seven Adventurers celebrated National Trails day on the Yellow Poplar Trail loop hike, including the additional north extension for a total hike of about 10 miles. The trail took us along both the west and east sides of the ridgeline of Catoctin Mountain and provided wonderful views of Frederick and Middletown in Maryland, as well as Sugarloaf, South Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although the last of the dogwood blooms had long since fallen, the mountain laurel was in full and glorious bloom, which was particularly stunning once the sun came out after lunch. This year's profusion of ferns was remarkable, and the trail was particularly pretty with the bright green moss lining long stretches of the path. The miles just melted away as we made speedy progress under ideal conditions on unusually user-friendly trails. Our hike ended with a beautiful view of Middletown Valley provided by the overlook built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930's.

South River Falls Hike (Craig)
Nine Adventurers set out under murky, overcast skies into a part of Shenandoah that we all agreed is exceptionally wild and attractive. The first exotic forms of wildlife we encountered were two thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, who told us they had embarked from Georgia's Springer Mountain in early April; seeing as how such scheduling would not get them to Maine's Mount Katahdin until October, we wished them good luck with New England's fickle fall weather. Soon thereafter we lunched amidst the ruins of an old mission, where another group showed us the hitherto-unknown (to us) cemetery. We made exceptionally fast time on the next stretch that was mostly level but extremely muddy or waterlogged thanks to our extensive springtime rains. Next we descended all the way down to South River and gingerly made our way over slippery rocks up to the pool at the base of the falls. The waterfall was more than spectacular, again thanks to the endless downpours; there was even a distinct spray, a rarely-felt phenomenon here. We kept an eye to the thickening clouds above us as we climbed 1500 feet to end our hike at the picnic area; luckily, few drops fell and only one faint distant roll of thunder could be heard. We finished our day with dinner at the friendly pub of the Hazel River Inn in beautiful downtown Culpeper. Our only regret on this otherwise-satisfying day was that we had to miss the Pride Parade because of our late return to the DC area.

Wilson Bridge Bike Ride (Scott & Marc)
Adventuring's more adventurous cyclists gathered on June 27 to set out and explore both sides of the Potomac River and the recently completed bike trail across the Wilson Bridge. The 25 mile route employed some streets and several trails; including the familiar Mount Vernon Trail on the Virginia side, and the mostly unfamiliar Oxon Cove Connector Trail and the Oxon Run Trail in Maryland and the District’s Suitland Trail….and of course the Wilson Bridge Trail.

Eight cyclists started from Virginia’s Dangerfield Island Marina, and an additional six cyclists were met at the pick-up point at the Smithsonian Metro Station. Along the route we visited the Titanic Memorial on the DC waterfront and then passed in front of Nationals Stadium just before embarking on the bike trail along the South Capitol Street Bridge. At the bridge crest we had a “bird’s eye view” of a mama bald eagle tending her nest far below. After passing through Historic Anacostia we made several climbs in the quite hilly southern most tip of the District before crossing into Maryland on the Oxon Cove Connector Trail. Our route then meandered through Oxon Hill Farm Park on a seldom used roadway and finally connected to the Harbor View Trail to National Harbor.

After resting and refueling at National Harbor, and checking out the “Awakening” statue at its new home after being transplanted from Haines Point, we finally reached the highlight of the ride and mounted the formidable Wilson Bridge using the barrier-separated bike lane. We stopped for a group photo looking down on the bridge from the bike trail overpass park on the Maryland side. We stopped again midway across at one of the “pop out” viewing area that were wisely included in the $2.5 billion project, and with clear blue skies we lingered and enjoyed spectacular views of the District, Old Town Alexandria, and the Maryland shore. Once back in the Commonwealth of Virginia we cycled through Old Town Alexandria and made our way back to the Dangerfield Island Marina and the Smithsonian Metro respectively via the Mount Vernon Trail. The ride may be repeated in a couple months due to numerous requests from those who missed this opportunity.

Photo - Wilson Bridge from bike trail overpass landing on Maryland side - left to right: Michael, Terry, Pat, Bob, Jeff, Allan, Scott, Tom, Marc, Mike - Photo Credit: Craig

Hills & Views in Shenandoah National Park (Wendy)
12 Adventurers escaped to the hills in northern Shenandoah National Park to enjoy wonderful company, brilliant sun, low humidity, and terrific views along the AT between Compton Gap and Gravel Springs. Most of us later stopped in Front Royal to continue our fun at one of Adventuring's favorite post-hike restaurants, providing a tasty conclusion to the fine weather and scenery we had enjoyed earlier.

Arlington Evening Bike Ride (Steve, Lee, Scott)
During May and June the after-work rides at Clarendon have occurred every week except for one which was rain-out. A few new faces have appeared each week, and with several reoccurring faces the average number of cyclists per ride has been between ten and eleven. Routes vary by week, both in length and destination. Our various destinations thus far include Falls Church, Lake Barcroft, Holmes Run Park, and Mclean; with distances ranging from 12 to 19 miles. The Kabob Bazaar continues to be a perennial favorite for the optional after-ride dinner, although Rockland’s Barbecue has emerged this season as a strong contender. This series of evening rides continues each Monday at 6:25 PM through the end of August.

Photo #1: Group Photo of June 29th ride along W&OD Trail – Steve, Lee, Robert, Rob, Neil, John, Hy, Peter, Tito, Brad

Photo #2: A stop on the June 29th ride at the historic West Cornerstone Monument, which formerly demarcated the western most point of the District of Columbia before the portion of the District west of the Potomac River was given back to Virginia and became Arlington County – Lee, Robert, Rob, John – Photo Credit: Scott

TRIP DETAILS

Lower Nicholson Hollow Hike
Jul 03 (Fri); Craig (202) 462-0535
Celebrate the start of your Independence Day Weekend with this relaxing stroll through Nicholson Hollow in the heart of Shenandoah National Park. This was once known as Free State Hollow because of the notoriously independent, freedom-loving and downright anarchy-loving families that once called this area home. Starting from the huge parking lot at Nethers, VA in the flatlands, we'll be right next to the Hughes River most of the time, which will hopefully provide us ample opportunities to cool off by wading or possibly even swimming. Provided that the trail's river crossings aren't too challenging, we should be able to reach historic Corbin Cabin before turning around. Total length of this moderate round-trip hike should not exceed 8 miles, with 1100 feet of elevation gain, most of it gradual, none of it very steep. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, swimsuit, towel, and about $15 for admission, transportation and trip fees. Optional dinner follows. Meet at 9 a.m. in the Kiss & Ride lot of the East Falls Church Metro Station; yes, it's free today, because it's a legal holiday.

Great Falls (MD) Hike
Jul 05 (Sun); Damon (202) 364-0790
This easy, scenic, 5-mile loop hike on the Maryland side of the dramatic Great Falls of the Potomac, about 14 miles upstream from Georgetown, will traverse some of the trails near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, including one of the finest sections of the C & O Canal (recently reopened after a wash-out), and, of course, the popular Great Falls Overlook on Bear Island. From the overlook, we'll view one of the most spectacular stretches of whitewater in the East; with luck, we'll see some crazy kayakers perilously close to the base of the falls in search of adventure, and perhaps some more sensible great blue herons in search of lunch. We'll have lunch ourselves at the Visitor Center (bring your own, or take your chances with the park's concession offerings); we hope to be complemented by an Adventuring biking contingent which will be lunching in the same area. Bring water, sunscreen, camera, bug spray, and bag lunch (if desired). Transportation and trip fees should be about $5. Meet to form carpools at 9:30 a.m. at the top of the east escalator at Tenleytown Metro (northeast corner of Wisconsin Ave. and Albemarle St. NW, on the Whole Foods side, across from Best Buy; look for the trip leader's orange cap!). We should return to the same location by 2:30 p.m. Beginners and newcomers to Adventuring are especially welcome! Contact the trip leader with any questions. Carpool drivers needed.

Town & Country Ride (Great Falls, MD)
Jul 05 (Sun); Allan (703) 528-2880
This beginner-friendly, 30 mile round trip ride from the Clarendon Metro Park to the Great Falls National Park has been the leader's favorite summertime ride since his student days at Georgetown. The ride is primarily on paved bike paths and bicycle-friendly residential and rural streets. The pace will be very leisurely on mostly gradual paths with plenty of shade trees providing cover against the summer heat. Starting out downhill and passing over Key Bridge we proceed initially on the Crescent Bike Path to a place just past GU where we cross under the C&O canal to catch MacArthur Blvd. by the foot of Foxhall Road. Proceeding through the Palisades community, shaded by the arching tree canopy of MacArthur Boulevard, we cross the District line at the Dalecarlia Reservoir and start the bikepath along MacArthur Blvd. Riding through the charming communities of Glen Echo and Cabin John, we pause for a few minutes to explore Glen Echo Park. At Angler's Tavern we take a fine gravel bike road along the Potomac palisades where we can enjoy bird's eye views of the river and the C&O Canal as it enters Widewater. We complete our final mile on the towpath, entering the scenic Great Falls National Park where we pause for lunch and to take in the scenic outlooks. You can pack your own lunch or take advantage of the affordable refreshments concession at the park (hot dogs, BBQ beef sandwiches, pizza, beverages and snacks). Great photo opportunities! Bring a helmet, water and $2 for Adventuring. Departure time is 10:30 am from the Clarendon Metro Station Park. Arrive by 10:25 to sign in. Contact the ride leader if you intend to participate, and if the weather is questionable. A shorter 25 mile, no-hill ride will depart from the beginning of Capital Crescent Trail (end of K Street) at about 11:00 am.

Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jul 06 (Mon); Lee (703) 625-8858
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides maintain a relaxed pace, and new riders and those who may be a little out of practice are welcome. This week's route will be around 18 miles using the bike paths and residential streets in and around Arlington. Optional dinner at a to-be-determined local restaurant immediately after the ride.

Arrive by 6:25pm at 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. 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.

Virginia Horse Country Bike Ride
Jul 11 (Sat); Scott (703) 535-7356
This popular loop for cyclists passes through the quaint hunt country villages of Rectortown, Middleburg, and the Plains; and wonderful pastoral countryside in between. Total ride distance is 38 mile for the full loop, with a optional shortcut for a 23 mile loop. The route passes more than a few opulent horse farms, and with clear skies, there should be fabulous vistas of Bull Run Mountain to the east and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. Meet at 9:00am at the East Falls Church Metro station (I-66 at Sycamore St & Washington Blvd) in the daily parking lot near the station entrance. From there we will carpool to the ride start. Bring helmet, water, and $2 trip fee. Also bring snack / lunch or you can purchase something in Middleburg.

Adventuring Summer Picnic
Jul 12 (Sun); Brett (202) 236-9968

It’s time once again for our annual summer picnic.

Just like last year, we’ll be in Rock Creek Park at Picnic Grove #6, on Beach Drive just north of Military Road (at Miller Cabin).

Lunch begins at Noon, rain or shine. Adventuring provides grilled food & fixins - hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs - plus assorted beverages. You bring a dish to share - savory or sweet. (Sorry, but no alcohol permitted in the park.) Cleanup will be around 5:00 pm.

Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jul 13 (Mon); Scott (703) 535-7356
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides maintain a relaxed pace, and new riders and those who may be a little out of practice are welcome. This week's route will be around 18 miles using the bike paths and residential streets in and around Arlington. Optional dinner at a to-be-determined local restaurant immediately after the ride.

Arrive by 6:25pm at 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. 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.

C&O Canal @ Seneca Creek Hike
Jul 18 (Sat); Craig (202) 462-0535
The section of the C&O Canal at Seneca Creek, just a few miles up the Potomac from Great Falls, is unusually rich in both history and scenery. Starting from Riley's Lock at the mouth of Seneca Creek, we'll begin by strolling downstream to Violette's Lock, where the original feeder lock still provides the water that fills the Canal all the way to Georgetown. Jeb Stuart's surprise (and very rude) visit to this area on his way to Gettysburg will be discussed. We'll then continue downstream for lunch at Pennyfield Lock, one of President Grover Cleveland's favorite fishing holes. We'll then retrace our steps to Seneca Creek and perhaps tour the restored Lockkeeper's House. Before leaving we'll visit the site of a nearby quarry that was the source of much of the sandstone used to construct Washington's public buildings such as the Smithsonian Castle. Total length of this easy round-trip hike is just over 6 miles. Bring beverages, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray and about $7 for transportation and trip fees. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station.

Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jul 20 (Mon); Lee (703) 625-8858
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides maintain a relaxed pace, and new riders and those who may be a little out of practice are welcome. This week's route will be around 17 miles using the bike paths and residential streets in and around Arlington. Optional dinner at a to-be-determined local restaurant immediately after the ride.

Arrive by 6:25pm at 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. 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.

All Around Sugarloaf Ride
Jul 25 (Sat); Chris (240) 277-4815
Starting in Boyds (Montgomery County, MD) we'll travel country roads encircling Sugarloaf Mountain. The route covers 37 miles of rolling hills and scenic views. We'll stop for lunch at mile 20. There are convenience stores along the way but do bring water, helmet and your $2 trip fee. Contact the ride leader for start time and new start location. Also let the ride leader know if you can have room to offer a ride to a fellow biker from DC.

C&O Canal @ Harpers Ferry Hike
Jul 25 (Sat); John D. (301) 524-9369
We will begin this flat and easy 7-mile round-trip hike on the C&O Canal at Lockhouse 33 in the long-lost industrial town of Weverton, where the Appalachian Trail joins the Canal towpath. From there we will stroll upstream along the Potomac River toward the historic town of Harpers Ferry. There will be beautiful views of the river along the way, and we will pass by the hamlet of Sandy Hook. Then we’ll take the footbridge across the Potomac into Harpers Ferry, where we will have lunch, stroll around town, and take the stairs and path up to Jefferson Rock for a stunning view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers before returning to Weverton via the same route. Bring water, lunch, sun screen, bug spray and about $10 for transportation and trip fees. Contact the trip leader preferably by email for further details.

Big Run-Patterson's Ridge Hike & Soak
Jul 26 (Sun); Craig (202) 462-0535
Some years ago, on our last visit to this remote area in the southern section of Shenandoah National Park, we discovered a delightful (and apparently little-known) pool along Big Run that was perfect for some serene soaking on a hot summer day. That oasis will be the focus for today's expedition. We'll begin by hiking down from Brown Mountain Overlook on Skyline Drive to Big Run via the Rocky Mountain Run Trail. After lunching and plenty of Dynamic Lollygagging™ in the nearby pool, we'll have to pay the price by hiking back up the Blue Ridge via the Patterson's Ridge Trail. Our hike ends at the Loft Mountain Wayside, where we should find ample refreshments. Total length of this moderate-to-strenuous one-way hike is 6.7 miles, with 1500 feet of elevation gain. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, a swimsuit and towel, and about $20 for transportation, admission and trip fees. Optional dinner follows. Meet at 9 a.m. at the East Falls Church Metro Station Kiss & Ride lot (to your right as you leave the station). Drivers needed.

Arlington Evening Bike Ride
Jul 27 (Mon); Steve (202) 422.4405
This ride continues the summer-long series of Arlington Evening Bike Rides. These weekly rides maintain a relaxed pace, and new riders and those who may be a little out of practice are welcome. This week's route will be around 16 miles using the bike paths and residential streets in and around Arlington. Optional dinner at a to-be-determined local restaurant immediately after the ride.

Arrive by 6:25pm at 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. 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.

Jacuzzi Canoe Trip
Jul 31-02 (Fri-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.

Bay and back from Davidsonville
Aug 01Jul (Sat); Tom 410 462-2495
38 miles with fair amount of shade. Start 0900 at Davidsonville ES. No go if forecast at www.wunderground.com for Davidsonville (zip 21035) is rain 40% or greater. Ride leader coming from Baltimore. Call 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 cell 410 299-1712. Bring water, $2 trip fee, helmet, and lunch if you wish or there are options on the way at mile 19. Directions from DC: Route 50 east toward Annapolis. Exit 16 south onto route 424/Davidsonville road. Go 3.5 miles to Route 214/Central avenue and turn right. Go 0.8 mile to Davidsonville ES on right.

Paw Paw Tunnel Hike
Aug 02 (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. 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 $20. We'll dine in Hancock on the way back.

Lazy River Tubing on the Shenandoah
Aug 29 (Sat); Neil (571) 235-7234
For best ticket availability for this event, please RSVP before August 15. Once again, Adventuring teams up with co-host DC Ice Breakers, the NOVA Gay & Lesbian Professionals and other local community groups for some lazy river tubing on the beautiful Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry, WV. Relax, unwind, and just enjoy the ride with friends, old and new. We'll meet for an optional picnic lunch onsite about noon, followed by about 2 hours of lazy river tubing (approx. 2:00-4:00 pm). Then, it's off to an optional dinner at Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse in Gaithersburg, MD, starting at about 5:30 pm. The cost for tubing is $24.32 (plus tax and fees), which gets you a deluxe quality tube (with seat-bottom) and a life jacket, plus shuttle bus from the tubing site's parking lot to the tubing launch site. Carpools may be available; contact the trip leader. This is a great opportunity to have some fun while meeting people from other local community groups. For information on how to purchase tickets, what to bring, etc., you must RSVP to the team leader. For best ticket availability, please RSVP before August 15.

Moorman's River Geology Hike
Sep 19 (Sat); Craig & Joe (202) 462-0535
In June 1995, a torrential deluge devastated much of Shenandoah National Park, most particularly the Staunton River in its northern part and the North Fork of Moorman's River in its southern part; both areas endured mammoth debris slides as a result of virtually incomprehensible 2500-year floods. Yet less than 15 years later, the land has healed so thoroughly that it takes the trained eye of a professional geologist like Adventuring's own Joe Marx to recognize the traces of what happened on an astounding day that only Noah could have loved. Joe will explain the remaining evidence along the scenic gorge of the North Fork of Moorman's River on this physically easy but intellectually challenging hike of no more than 5 miles. We will begin and end at the Charlottesville Reservoir, a popular recreational area typically overrun by UVA students. There won't be much elevation change as we mostly stick right next to the river, but there are some interesting crossings. Bring beverages, lunch, bug spray and about $20 for transportation and trip fees. Meet at 9 a.m. in the Kiss & Ride parking lot of the East Falls Church Metro Station (to your right as you leave the station). Optional dinner follows on the way home. Contact Craig to reserve your spot.

Around Gettysburg from Taneytown
Oct 03 (Sat); Tom 410 462-2495
45 mile ride from Taneytown to Gettysburg. Lovely vistas, almost all rural roads, scant hills, low traffic. Start 1000 Taneytown Memorial Park. No go if forecast at www.wunderground.com for Taneytown (zip 21787) is rain 40% or greater. Ride leader 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 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.

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