tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15508555581595071292024-03-19T01:19:22.316-07:00Fifty Hikes at 50A 50 year old man hoping the trail never ends - and enjoying the journey along the way!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-20756023145337176132014-12-28T06:01:00.000-08:002014-12-28T07:12:07.877-08:00#50 - Revolution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revolution #50: 01 Jan 2014 - 31 Dec 2014</td></tr>
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On New Years Day 2014, I kicked off "Fifty Hikes at 50." A chance to get back outdoors, see things I hadn't seen, to see things again, to think, and to live more outside. I was excited; and the timing was perfect.<br />
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For my first hike on January 1st, I headed to Great Falls National Park. It was nearby, it was beautiful, and it was the catalyst that lead to 49 more hiking excursions.<br />
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So where to go for #50? As I complete one revolution of the sun, I chose to circle back to Great Falls; where it all started.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan 1, 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dec 27, 2014</td></tr>
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I recall day 1 fondly, when Bonnie and I started out on that first hike. Sunny, slightly chilly, a beautiful day. Today, similar, though more mild. Sunny, not a cloud in the sky.<br />
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Three of my children joined me today. I have had numerous hikes with my wife, a number with each of my four kids. Each one was great! Each one a memory I will never forget.<br />
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We started at Difficult Run. Surprisingly, trail maintenance efforts have started and are nearly complete. Floods in the area had previously deteriorated the trail making portions of it impassable. Now, many portions of the trail are new and wide, allowing you to enjoy the views, move along, not nearly as treacherous.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Difficult Run</td></tr>
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From a previous visit, I knew there were a pair of nesting Black Vultures in this area. We saw them both, but only captured a photo of one, as the other flew upstream as we approached. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the nesting Black Vultures</td></tr>
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As Difficult Run comes to its end, it empties into the Potomac. It is at this point we began our hike westward toward Great Falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confluence of Difficult Run and Potomac River</td></tr>
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This is such an enjoyable hike. Fresh air, nice views, pick you distance, and while it's far from isolated, it's enjoyable to see others enjoying a day out.<br />
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Mather Gorge awaits as you make your way toward the Falls. There are plenty of areas to stop and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdGG5tXs24s488hN9rBvqcaGxDbEGBOuQWhKyxyI7LOBVibr9J9M4HC5m8JCVgtMBmjxKrAraDRII0xfTr558_iZCu5oab1wFFh6YShEvTcs-QMv5Sdc3VuyzEcSmqygYhCKlr85nG4AX/s1600/Sarah+-+Mather+Gorge+-+Great+Falls,+VA+-+27+Dec+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdGG5tXs24s488hN9rBvqcaGxDbEGBOuQWhKyxyI7LOBVibr9J9M4HC5m8JCVgtMBmjxKrAraDRII0xfTr558_iZCu5oab1wFFh6YShEvTcs-QMv5Sdc3VuyzEcSmqygYhCKlr85nG4AX/s1600/Sarah+-+Mather+Gorge+-+Great+Falls,+VA+-+27+Dec+2014.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at the Eastern end of Mather Gorge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the river, Maryland - and Billy Goat Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lone kayaker makes his way downstream </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rock Climber, kayaker, and paddle-boarder all enjoying the day</td></tr>
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Hike #50 was about enjoying the day. Enjoying my kids. Enjoying the past year. Recalling great memories. The excitement for the year ahead.<br />
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And with that, "Fifty Hikes at 50" is complete! Oh, I'll still hike - and hopefully by Spring I'll be out backpacking some. I'll be a 51 year old man hoping the trail never ends - and enjoying the journey along the way!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley on one of her many hikes!</td></tr>
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Keep hiking, friends!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-12992073093472350212014-12-14T06:28:00.001-08:002014-12-23T20:09:34.419-08:00#49 - Gravelly Point to Theodore Roosevelt Island<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jet taking off from Reagan National Airport - Gravelly Point</td></tr>
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What a great hike this turned out to be! It has a little bit of everything, from jet airliners roaring overhead, Potomac River and National Monument views, all leading to a wooded island that ends at an impressive monument celebrating our 26th President.<br />
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It's all part of the 18 mile Mount Vernon Trail. This is a diverse trail that spans from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. I have run, biked, and hiked portions of this trail over the years, but the 7 miles from Gravelly Point to the Island and back was a first for me - and it is a "must do" for those wanting a nice hike with great views.<br />
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The day was sunny and cool as I parked at Gravelly Point Park. This is a great starting point, and many people were here simply to picnic and watch the jet airplanes, and other critters, take-off and land.<br />
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I picked up the trail right here, and heading in toward the city, followed along the river, though never crossing. It is a beautiful area with trees (the Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove is here), grassy areas, bridges, and paths - all within view of some of our Nation's largest monuments.<br />
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There are many moments when the city seems far, far away, then you come out of the park setting to see familiar surroundings.<br />
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Alas, you come upon Theodore Roosevelt Island. I have passed this many times, but wasn't certain what, if anything, was there. I was happy to see a 1.3 mile loop through the woods, ending at a beautiful monument area.<br />
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Forest to swamp, I would have never had known the Kennedy Center was just across the river had there been leaves on the trees. A sanctuary of nature - all very well done.<br />
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Near the end of the loop is the monument. It is the first time I had seen this one. It almost seemed forgotten on this day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLdzXdBL9fCzSDjptMCPXoe0h2_u5n6BjwN84WFvQj4qdePaJTLCrqk5DiNmdpYBb9Rk9GkmWMg3FlaZg4P8lWBcgdKLNRdqacuWG6Wmu32O_xESIU_M1Pkp7dbEu9-Ew9O7F9AJrZpVb/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLdzXdBL9fCzSDjptMCPXoe0h2_u5n6BjwN84WFvQj4qdePaJTLCrqk5DiNmdpYBb9Rk9GkmWMg3FlaZg4P8lWBcgdKLNRdqacuWG6Wmu32O_xESIU_M1Pkp7dbEu9-Ew9O7F9AJrZpVb/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island88.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In part: <i>"The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value."</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg93WEhHxKJAidUGp4aKWcd_XxuTm05l5-eBraZZ3SWRuMSeIGRz8045FJ4G1HvecUX7KcG_9RUYVP7481-1R5dDnqQ-VgKTXqeG57LpuuJ1NGMCG_4zSqF4saEeSBi_KCj4kTDThlW26n/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg93WEhHxKJAidUGp4aKWcd_XxuTm05l5-eBraZZ3SWRuMSeIGRz8045FJ4G1HvecUX7KcG_9RUYVP7481-1R5dDnqQ-VgKTXqeG57LpuuJ1NGMCG_4zSqF4saEeSBi_KCj4kTDThlW26n/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island89.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In part:<i> "It is hard to fail but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG_oGU7I39Dma5JENi1TaG_FvEDNYINOj-I8rwc5Tc3gvwtCAbWPGTMH2Uw0NAerM7RWBUuZd6vwbHJWOayBTlltN4KkmYRLkWyW1Cm-JdrGzU429tJ6XS9lnWG0KZAdU58YnaGwxBhUy/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG_oGU7I39Dma5JENi1TaG_FvEDNYINOj-I8rwc5Tc3gvwtCAbWPGTMH2Uw0NAerM7RWBUuZd6vwbHJWOayBTlltN4KkmYRLkWyW1Cm-JdrGzU429tJ6XS9lnWG0KZAdU58YnaGwxBhUy/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island90.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In part: <i>"Courageous hard work, self mastery, and intelligent effort are all essential to successful life."</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYC_rh5qfz5Hb-tlhpn1PB2NddOEW6POf7lcqM4h65OWa3URor3ib0BeIG6h8gd7eDg4A8YEle0a_ncX9IIqyxlO2jQ1WNH0yDTbyw3RXbJzaiHoACLFjUHBuUFwDULYtLQ5riUvUhR5a/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYC_rh5qfz5Hb-tlhpn1PB2NddOEW6POf7lcqM4h65OWa3URor3ib0BeIG6h8gd7eDg4A8YEle0a_ncX9IIqyxlO2jQ1WNH0yDTbyw3RXbJzaiHoACLFjUHBuUFwDULYtLQ5riUvUhR5a/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island91.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In part: <i>"If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness."</i></td></tr>
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A very cool trip around the island, with a 3 mile hike back to Gravelly Point. So many opportunities to veer off and keep looking. To keep exploring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34tXjGkfeE0bB0ZDHzU7DbtqZSnIbfB9C0sl-1AuDUcS_ZJOm2uJQQFz-gVRinRMks79gXVdy_UNgmTy92rZUPEiEN7xxlD2iSAtqpjrdwzAxIHy4cynWITG3cUx7mPdTL4eLh40L0M1C/s1600/Kennedy+Center1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34tXjGkfeE0bB0ZDHzU7DbtqZSnIbfB9C0sl-1AuDUcS_ZJOm2uJQQFz-gVRinRMks79gXVdy_UNgmTy92rZUPEiEN7xxlD2iSAtqpjrdwzAxIHy4cynWITG3cUx7mPdTL4eLh40L0M1C/s1600/Kennedy+Center1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennedy Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK9u8JhSv6SJTengnjCajS0HngT2OTwTXvneFErudi_7Sme-GjIFqalXjbQ_NtvwJw-pp_PICimYMAUIBvGi32gRz_3wl96sWJI5xGlZcGh9bltlOpJvK4qNJTKRA6p743q12RZQyjjB6/s1600/Lincoln+Memorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK9u8JhSv6SJTengnjCajS0HngT2OTwTXvneFErudi_7Sme-GjIFqalXjbQ_NtvwJw-pp_PICimYMAUIBvGi32gRz_3wl96sWJI5xGlZcGh9bltlOpJvK4qNJTKRA6p743q12RZQyjjB6/s1600/Lincoln+Memorial2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB7stDlm5tZVRQlWyxIh1dTsJXIku94e76cS3PGEPYCCwTcS0jOU-GRAhwpzTUL2ttYXwI65xOyNt8Yx7FJlLxnLw_R3KM7QZfNVIC8LDq9YrxfqwxlPRWu1RbeQd-Mkt2E8kMXbFf4Gq/s1600/Mount+Vernon17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB7stDlm5tZVRQlWyxIh1dTsJXIku94e76cS3PGEPYCCwTcS0jOU-GRAhwpzTUL2ttYXwI65xOyNt8Yx7FJlLxnLw_R3KM7QZfNVIC8LDq9YrxfqwxlPRWu1RbeQd-Mkt2E8kMXbFf4Gq/s1600/Mount+Vernon17.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qJaxp_VFXQSptVVKeMEvWC55e-dYHZx8h7hfq8pyjS5JmyY2t2SCAOX-yMV2U2GDv8VPBifAnEIeS7rEEnwi1w6R3OAyw1OXm0yd1bxIFxR6_APPhXkSJss_rFK_sYxNxjkEHG-JbsOM/s1600/Mount+Vernon19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qJaxp_VFXQSptVVKeMEvWC55e-dYHZx8h7hfq8pyjS5JmyY2t2SCAOX-yMV2U2GDv8VPBifAnEIeS7rEEnwi1w6R3OAyw1OXm0yd1bxIFxR6_APPhXkSJss_rFK_sYxNxjkEHG-JbsOM/s1600/Mount+Vernon19.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Memorial to all who work the seas. Navy, Merchant Marines, Watermen.</td></tr>
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Back at the car, I had thoroughly enjoyed this day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEAvs_BORHsMmQItBZj8BxtjdUE6ojmqUqwrWm9qxCZjxgrnIb-ctsywErXToWg9QWWguuGmZNdJUzBi3T88oy5rUlIzUzu30HcvrK1JiSDozw2qkjKEZj8gy_6qvvM_ovnn63vovyJMR/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEAvs_BORHsMmQItBZj8BxtjdUE6ojmqUqwrWm9qxCZjxgrnIb-ctsywErXToWg9QWWguuGmZNdJUzBi3T88oy5rUlIzUzu30HcvrK1JiSDozw2qkjKEZj8gy_6qvvM_ovnn63vovyJMR/s1600/Theodore+Roosevelt+Island87.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep Hiking, Friends!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-78620486429480479232014-12-07T17:11:00.000-08:002014-12-08T05:15:44.900-08:00#48 - A Beautiful Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love a day like today - taken off guard by how you think things will be, vice how they turn out.<br />
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I awoke this morning expecting a bitter cold day, with plenty of mud from the recent rains. I wasn't totally off the mark, as when I took Riley for a walk this morning, ice made for slippery footing along the wooden planks leading towards Government Island, and we bypassed an area or two due to muddy terrain.<br />
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But, whereas Riley had to settle for a 1.5 mile hike this morning, I wanted to get out for an 8-12 miler; too much for a well-loved, seven year old Golden Retriever, who's top end these days is 4-5 miles.<br />
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I knew where I wanted to go. As I wind down my "Fifty Hikes", I had to go close out Prince William Forest Park. You see, while the park is very small compared to any other National Park (just 37 miles of hiking trails), I have hiked Prince William in the cold and barren weather of Winter, watched new life blossom and grow with Spring, hiked it's shade and cool streams in the heat of Summer, and saw it's color of Autumn. I was back one last time, to hike one last section I had missed.<br />
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I stopped in the Visitor Center, as I wanted to hike a loop vice an "out and back". The Ranger pointed out two loops, one 9.3 miles, the other just over 10. I chose the latter of the two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbKtWkD8Q_BvHOV-Crhp-zNWfKv9B4JcCOzhlbCneb6dDoYlydzrbZyDiVRaTtTwOAaCRSGA6RLprBnritL13QwEknXtRpC7WhtnZx9vvFiU-aZ4VIQ89CMSuwApQAoLOMfs7L6fr9i8N/s1600/PWNFP2.jpg" height="286" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitor Center</td></tr>
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The loop started at the Oak Ridge Campground and would bring me back along the most westerly portion of the South Valley Trail. For the first time, I would see some of the damage and re-growth from a fire that burned 318 acres in 2006.</div>
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The sun was beautiful and it made for spectacular views. Temps reaching near 50 made for excellent hiking weather. I have come to realize that whatever the weather, it's always perfect for the hike that day. When I have hiked in cold - it was perfect! In heat, rain, snow, fog - always perfect for the hike that day!</div>
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The hike started on Oak Ridge Trail. A cemetery, and wooded trails to get things started. </div>
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Oak Ridge Trail transitioned to Old Blacktop, which was plenty wide, with a few runners and bike riders. From there it was to a narrower Taylor Farm trail, and on to South Valley.</div>
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I have hiked South Valley before and it is one of my favorites. I enjoy the views of the South Fork of Quantico creek, particularly with the bright sunshine shining through.<br />
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As I looped back up toward the campground, 10+ miles under my boots, I entered the area where the forest fire had occurred 6.5 years earlier. Few remnants remain, though the forest is noticeably thinner, with some blackened and burned trees and stumps remaining.<br />
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Some of the new growth comes in the form of loblolly pines. With the Holiday's around the corner, it seemed the perfect time of year for them to show their bright green colors in the sun.</div>
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Happy Holiday's, friends!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-71439300009448599042014-11-30T06:24:00.000-08:002014-11-30T06:41:26.932-08:00#47 - Old Company Mill - Raleigh NC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We were off to Raleigh, NC for Thanksgiving, and with the day full of food and football - followed by a day of Christmas "browsing", coffee's and deserts - Saturday made for a perfect day for a nearby 6.5 mile hike on the Old Company Mill Trail.<br />
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Company Mill was built on the banks of Crabtree Creek in 1810 when this land was farmland. The mill ground wheat into flour and corn into cornmeal - and was even known to host a fish fry or two or a square dance.<br />
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My two sons joined me on the hike, and its always nice to get out and do some things together.<br />
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The trail was in a wooded area, the air crisp and clear, as we made our way down to the creek to begin our loop. I'm always amazed how land that was cleared for farms, grows back to woodlands once the farming operations stop.<br />
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We crossed Crabtree Creek, then following the creek for awhile, cut inland and up. The trail was marked as moderate, and we found that to be an accurate description - and perfect for what we wanted to do this day.<br />
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We passed through areas of pine, crossed small streams, and enjoyed the peacefulness of the morning as the sun broke through, casting shadows and warming the day from 33 degrees when we started, to 50 when we finished.<br />
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We completed the loop, working our way back to the creek and the remnants of the old mill.<br />
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The perfect trail for the perfect morning. A good hike, fresh air, the ability to see something new - and a morning spent with my two sons. I could hike forever with them, sharing stories and laughs. There will come another time soon.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-54462826676931849472014-11-27T09:32:00.001-08:002014-11-27T09:34:28.463-08:00#46 - Culpeper, VA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Culpeper Visitor Center</td></tr>
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With the Holiday's around the corner, getting out and about some of the small towns in the area makes for a beautiful day hike - with the added benefit of finishing up with window shopping, local bakeries, coffees, beers and food! But how to map out a route can sometimes become a challenge. Enter the Virginia Volkssport Association!<br />
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Recalling the days when we would volksmarch in the local communities of Germany, the Virginia Volkssport Association organizes walks, bikes, and swims that are non-competitive, going at your own pace. Normally done as part of a group, Culpeper was laid out as a "do it yourself" volksmarch with 5K and 10K options. Bonnie and I completed the 10K (6.2 mile) portion.<br />
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Starting at the Visitor Center, our hike started in the center of town, but quickly headed to the outskirts, allowing us to see sights we otherwise would have possibly by-passed.<br />
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As we made it to the outskirts of town, we were very surprised to find that Culpeper had a National Cemetery to honor their veterans. We saw graves sites dating back to the Civil War. It was very neat, clean, and you could tell an area of great pride.<br />
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From here, we headed through the historic residential area, with large homes resting on beautiful lots. A beautiful day, enjoying the sights and fresh air.<br />
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We skirted back around the center of town, taking in the sights, as we headed toward the nearby Yowell Meadow Park.<br />
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The park had a nice path ~ 2 miles long, following along Mountain Run, which was the town's water source years before.</div>
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All of this offered us a nice glimpse of the town that we would have never seen had we stayed in the historic district. It made us realize even more what a nice community Culpeper is. A prideful community, taking care of each other, making good decisions on how they want their community represented.<br />
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We headed back into town, finishing up our hike. Picking up some goodies at the local baker, enjoying oysters and craft beer at a local restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Bar :-)</td></tr>
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It is easy to say we "Love" Culpeper, and have plans to visit again soon! We also enjoyed the do it yourself volksmarch and plan to see what else they have to offer.<br />
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Happy Holidays - and keep hiking, friends!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-30853434014251865302014-11-22T04:49:00.005-08:002014-11-22T04:49:58.525-08:00#45 - Chancellorsville - and the end of Thomas Jonathon "Stonewall" Jackson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unless your last name is Jackson, or Hooker, Chancellorsville Battlefield may not resonate with everyone. Compared to Gettysburg, Antietam, and Manassas, it is not one of the more well known Civil War locations. Bonnie and I visited last Sunday, taking advantage of the looped paths traversing the nearby woods and fields, offering us a nice six mile hike.<br />
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Interestingly, this is the location where "Stonewall" Jackson was shot by friendly fire, resulting in having an arm amputated He died eight days later. Shot in one location, buried in another; his arm is buried in another location still. More on that soon.<br />
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The hike itself was great! The path starts where a monument marks where Jackson was shot (see above), and a grave of an unidentified Civil War soldier nearby. It quickly heads into woodlands, where aging earthworks remain and wilderness made for difficult and gruesome battles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi6pCIzzd2sFg_KaqKhiZBXVsFx20COhq2r5IjCrkAhruraowZPMMU5IYWjmGCny2Rnps2VM_iwF8owslwQgXEc1pfb3yLNH3vyO-0d2mY1tFkkpj1OqOQ1K8AEOwTT2srRbZ5DO316D5/s1600/Earthworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi6pCIzzd2sFg_KaqKhiZBXVsFx20COhq2r5IjCrkAhruraowZPMMU5IYWjmGCny2Rnps2VM_iwF8owslwQgXEc1pfb3yLNH3vyO-0d2mY1tFkkpj1OqOQ1K8AEOwTT2srRbZ5DO316D5/s1600/Earthworks.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earthworks are difficult to make out in the fallen leaves, where troops would lay in the trenches exchanging fire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTzYhSytVug_3_lnsGkqDxx6BVTZIt5p_xiun7qTqHyhsmCkht9V1Bd37IiVkZqU2Y51HzmLySBOZ0rSy9nhgy8B8TTw8J-_aBWhHgyk1uWn2jPRTDXPdsvP8PtjWeTQvjDRUgNGxBtgD/s1600/Wilderness5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTzYhSytVug_3_lnsGkqDxx6BVTZIt5p_xiun7qTqHyhsmCkht9V1Bd37IiVkZqU2Y51HzmLySBOZ0rSy9nhgy8B8TTw8J-_aBWhHgyk1uWn2jPRTDXPdsvP8PtjWeTQvjDRUgNGxBtgD/s1600/Wilderness5.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wooded paths traversed rolling hills, which lead to the open battle fields ahead.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHz_Peq8eD7Mhx79tf74EjntipzGdHIcomMhAqZf11tLjU99abnlQovASKmPHrS8CnLNRDbZ56P3MnA0QwnYI5QNp24XZI6AyGs5QQPXtc8VOTJ2EEkdKC7J3ntapi4FydR1zrAIeAVxv/s1600/Wilderness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHz_Peq8eD7Mhx79tf74EjntipzGdHIcomMhAqZf11tLjU99abnlQovASKmPHrS8CnLNRDbZ56P3MnA0QwnYI5QNp24XZI6AyGs5QQPXtc8VOTJ2EEkdKC7J3ntapi4FydR1zrAIeAVxv/s1600/Wilderness.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilderness: gruesome battles, fires, the screams of those left dying</td></tr>
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The woods open up to fields, and farms. In all of the battlefields I have hiked, it is the story of the farm families that make me pause. These were people leading their lives in relative obscurity, until the soldiers came, taking over the farm home; the residents lucky if they escaped with their lives. Rarely did their house and belongings remain.<br />
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In fact, Chancellorsville is not a town at all. It was the Chancellors farm (though a very large farm compared to most.) As it was at a crossroad, it came to be known as Chancellorsville.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEQ710rggvX0QOjOv734W6lQgEe1lAa29VS27_1N4M-OjaQD3mPofOiFKVG8eazKiz2kJtKzRUyQoXgKf5-64KRcWUoHOQA1jgrot_w3hiFc3fnYNIaHD5w4wpAuy6Y5OZFK6b5fvolVL/s1600/Chancellorville+Inn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEQ710rggvX0QOjOv734W6lQgEe1lAa29VS27_1N4M-OjaQD3mPofOiFKVG8eazKiz2kJtKzRUyQoXgKf5-64KRcWUoHOQA1jgrot_w3hiFc3fnYNIaHD5w4wpAuy6Y5OZFK6b5fvolVL/s1600/Chancellorville+Inn2.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chancellors Farm: aka Chancellorsville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBluolwitHV8nQ-dvmpv6YcnFM6vOXBzfTxPepM7kO-Otq46dCculWMMK1ai4SdFSsRYo1cK9wBb7taCxNQYmi41EaVFBoX1Yd_Jm6iXXeK1T-Au-EbgYVLlhd5JlQkXXUdo_-3fvTszB/s1600/Chancellorville+Inn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBluolwitHV8nQ-dvmpv6YcnFM6vOXBzfTxPepM7kO-Otq46dCculWMMK1ai4SdFSsRYo1cK9wBb7taCxNQYmi41EaVFBoX1Yd_Jm6iXXeK1T-Au-EbgYVLlhd5JlQkXXUdo_-3fvTszB/s1600/Chancellorville+Inn1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remains of Chancellorsville</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMWV1ENlmQvvoUq-qlvzYrH59ND9Zk4ALUFf8vN8RyZTp_KKE6dB75qC89utacH2F6qtvCX-OMWskDwFTMLulAo6MSQwo1JGWqHPCKBQ6n_5ojJyaphQoa9N3xbIXcW8QxL2NKZSed-lh/s1600/Ely's+Ford3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMWV1ENlmQvvoUq-qlvzYrH59ND9Zk4ALUFf8vN8RyZTp_KKE6dB75qC89utacH2F6qtvCX-OMWskDwFTMLulAo6MSQwo1JGWqHPCKBQ6n_5ojJyaphQoa9N3xbIXcW8QxL2NKZSed-lh/s1600/Ely's%2BFord3.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, here you had the Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson (under the leadership of Robert E. Lee), at battle with Union General Joseph Hooker. While Hooker had seen some successes earlier in the Civil War, he was not very successful in Spotsylvania, being pushed back North across the Rappahannock river.<br />
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However, it was during a battle with Hooker's forces, on May 2, 1863, when Jackson was wounded by his own men at the Battle of Chancellorsville. With two bullet wounds to his left arm and one to his left hand, he was taken to nearby Wilderness Tavern where his arm was amputated.</div>
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Robert E. Lee, upon hearing of the amputation sent a young Staff Officer to send a message, “Give him my affectionate regards, and tell him to make haste and
get well, and come back to me as soon as he can. He has lost his left
arm, but I have lost my right.”</div>
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Eight days later, on May 10, 1863, Jackson died near Guiney Station, about 30 miles from Chancellorsville. He died not from his injuries, but from pneumonia. He is buried in Lexington, Virginia.</div>
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"Stonewall" was given his nickname by Union General Bernard Bee at Manassas on July 21, 1861. Because of Jackson's steadfastness and demeanor, Bee said to
his troops, "Look, men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall! Let
us determine to die here, and we will conquer!"</div>
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So, where's the arm? Unbelievably, after Jackson's arm was amputated, his chaplain, Beverly Tucker Lacy, took the arm to his brothers farm, Ellwood Manor, which was just nearby. Stonewall Jackson's arm is buried in the family cemetery there.</div>
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Hiking is many things. Much needed exercise, a sense of exploration, a time to think, a time to learn. Never did I ever think I would come across a grave site with the arm of Thomas Jonathon "Stonewall" Jackson.<br />
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Keep hiking, friends!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-15800638778074098382014-11-11T07:33:00.003-08:002014-11-11T07:46:06.709-08:00#44 - Downtown Charleston to Patriots Point<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKVHxcKTPa469ZiqSaqHvblcVhP-LmUOM3UKS8y018sV74yT9vyhiItTVkilsE4rFElby4nccbBytEIRIoMwLlica-iwdPHdefu-0r6tmNDhc2Oah8Z-nM8OTqDjC-UliAG7MIpu-cfGj/s1600/Veterans+Day12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKVHxcKTPa469ZiqSaqHvblcVhP-LmUOM3UKS8y018sV74yT9vyhiItTVkilsE4rFElby4nccbBytEIRIoMwLlica-iwdPHdefu-0r6tmNDhc2Oah8Z-nM8OTqDjC-UliAG7MIpu-cfGj/s400/Veterans+Day12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Veterans Day Weekend in Charleston is a great time of year. The city sponsors an excellent Veterans Day parade, with enough history and other activities to keep you busy for the long weekend. I love to visit, as I get to see my sister and brother-in-law - and now my son - who serves in the US Navy there.<br />
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This hike started with the Veterans Day parade at the corner of the Historic Charleston City Market and United States Custom House. While I can't list them all, the parade was a reminder of all of the organizations that assist our Veterans every day. Americans giving their time to help others, by supporting the Disabled American Veterans, the Purple Heart, Red Cross, and so many, many more. They deserved all of the applause they received. It was a wonderful parade.<br />
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Once the parade was complete, we mapped out a hike from the downtown area over to Patriots Point. About 5 miles as a straight shot, though we got roughly 8 miles in total. Starting from Waterfront Park, we worked our way through town and along the Cooper river - crossing the river at Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge - where we spied a fox sleeping in the sun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcVxeUdKRGnKTYhWOoEiDd8jlgdKkNQda7TuvFiAo7I18hrVV6MGdXpJXGdWcl1OlT-cER2AIHBgdDPX30EKXr9VNdgf79EIfOCe6p_uLCBCoBj_Y39tYlj0jD5rV2rxCX0myGIFYSzNA/s1600/Bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcVxeUdKRGnKTYhWOoEiDd8jlgdKkNQda7TuvFiAo7I18hrVV6MGdXpJXGdWcl1OlT-cER2AIHBgdDPX30EKXr9VNdgf79EIfOCe6p_uLCBCoBj_Y39tYlj0jD5rV2rxCX0myGIFYSzNA/s400/Bridge2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravenel Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UlFWehw7IYac72W96C9FcxM2HRc82bv8XEXmEpEhVykkrZ9VtJGgrp5lQy6EvUqgDiBatXVgfLaZfjeSL71SzRbna8ERinGLoBmxghzkKlnFcmiUz_2OxmKMOeNWk8zHnpW68ZEPZvDX/s1600/Bridge4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UlFWehw7IYac72W96C9FcxM2HRc82bv8XEXmEpEhVykkrZ9VtJGgrp5lQy6EvUqgDiBatXVgfLaZfjeSL71SzRbna8ERinGLoBmxghzkKlnFcmiUz_2OxmKMOeNWk8zHnpW68ZEPZvDX/s400/Bridge4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Sumter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vfRx7Vy6_r8fFQwo7L6_GSRnFEl1B82qMwFMgwGFcfkoptEMIAqMlcNAFHNMQsoAVoxV6BvR-Z4fMjI9S0V-xDcsdLRrWjMuxBK55lgQRmu3db0SayynyMC5vSPeOWTYOwv8_cCidGcg/s1600/Bridge6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vfRx7Vy6_r8fFQwo7L6_GSRnFEl1B82qMwFMgwGFcfkoptEMIAqMlcNAFHNMQsoAVoxV6BvR-Z4fMjI9S0V-xDcsdLRrWjMuxBK55lgQRmu3db0SayynyMC5vSPeOWTYOwv8_cCidGcg/s400/Bridge6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USS Yorktown - Patriots Point</td></tr>
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On the other side of the river, in Mt. Pleasant, lies Patriots Point. A new Vietnam exhibit opened on this day - and with the Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), the Destroyer USS Laffey (DD-724), and the Submarine USS Clamagore (SS-343) all there, it turned out to be the perfect destination for this day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT90C9NzWUEqaron6ppORqV6JXNDREhr0iBR45d68OZ6UDqBUsRIhKyEQWrCzCWWGIp3Fr9Mjp8eu4HrmJvCgZVRskuSYaf1I-Jgoox2egQ9oFDZVKruVC4NwNF-LGDwic-JaC24WBOgI/s1600/Patriots+Point3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT90C9NzWUEqaron6ppORqV6JXNDREhr0iBR45d68OZ6UDqBUsRIhKyEQWrCzCWWGIp3Fr9Mjp8eu4HrmJvCgZVRskuSYaf1I-Jgoox2egQ9oFDZVKruVC4NwNF-LGDwic-JaC24WBOgI/s400/Patriots+Point3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Patrol Boat - Vietnam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantail of USS Laffey</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain and the Navigator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F14 Tomcat</td></tr>
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All in all it was a great day, a great hike. Seeing my son, visiting my sister and brother-in-law, celebrating our veterans, all in a place like Charleston made for a great weekend.<br />
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Keep hiking, friends...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-77112957001588392482014-10-28T19:00:00.000-07:002014-10-28T19:00:00.611-07:00#43 - Rockfish Gap - Appalachian Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Autumn. A season that lasts three months, yet such a short window when it comes to enjoying the favorites of the season. Apple _____ (butter, cider, pickin'), the cool of the morning giving way to the warmth of the sun; long shadows and colors, pumpkins.<br />
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It seems we have just a few weeks to enjoy these Autumn days. Less than that really, with busy work weeks. "Didn't get to the mountains last weekend? Better go now, you'll miss it!"<br />
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That's just what we did this past Sunday. The day was bright and sunny, we had heard the colors were still to be seen (though past peak), so it was now or never to go catch a glimpse of Fall for this year.<br />
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We decided to drive out to Rockfish Gap, as there are a number of things to do in the area. We stopped along the way, stretching our legs before getting started.<br />
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Knowing there would be crowds, we hoped to find less traffic and our own views along the AT. We mapped out a 5+ mile hike to Glass Hollow - and weren't disappointed as we made our way along.<br />
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A beautiful hike as we made it to the overlook. To our surprise, we were the only ones there. We relaxed there for awhile, taking in the views.<br />
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Finishing this circuit, we explored other areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, the sun setting lower in the sky, colors changing and shadows beginning to lurk. A marker identified we were 2 million steps from Georgia, 3 million steps to Maine.<br />
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We left the Blue Ridge Mountains just as dusk set in. It was later than we'd planned, but decided it didn't matter. It had turned out to be a beautiful day - and our one glimpse of Fall for this year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass Hollow Overlook</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-82093882424518737162014-10-25T17:37:00.001-07:002014-10-25T17:37:20.145-07:00#42 - Bald Cypress Trail - Virginia Beach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand dune at Virginia Beach</td></tr>
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Not far from the sand dunes of Virginia Beach, there is an oasis that contrasts greatly with the oceanfront and commercialism nearby. Known as the site of the first landing of the Jamestown colonists in 1607, First Landing State Park offers over 20 miles of trails through forest and swamp - with a few surprises along the way.<br />
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This is the northernmost point in the United States where Spanish moss flows freely; draped across the bald cypress that thrive in this environment. It is a beautiful, yet eerie, hike back through time. The fresh water here has been used by native Americans, the first colonists, mariners, pirates, and soldiers throughout time. <br />
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It was a perfect day to be outside, with colors just beginning to burst, long shadows from the Autumn sun, and salty air from the nearby ocean and bays.<br />
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I followed the trail down along the Lynnhaven River, which ties in with Broad Bay. All of this joining where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay.<br />
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With saltwater on one side of the trail, freshwater on the other, and color all around, this made for an interesting, beautiful day hike.</div>
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I could have gone on and on, but the day was getting ahead of me. Six miles is all I would log. I cut over to the Cape Henry Trail, a multi-use trail for hikers and bikers, to begin my return loop. </div>
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Back in my car, I glanced over to the ocean, wondering if those first settlers, short on supply, knew what they had started...</div>
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Keep hiking, friends!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-12203226732206229632014-10-15T16:47:00.002-07:002014-10-15T17:25:35.120-07:00#41 - Billy Goat Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAMGcjJFjEg43EfzCA_HekDAah1bayR-ZDm4l9LQAPZs40nALdaHWZpBHZAjZFX5ZG6pXewA_aBDdZC7L8BYzag4fu_qxwZEU1DrjRP_AQl9utGpuxxEI1UjN_xAXfHi9712iH5TBIdxc/s1600/C&O+Canal+Lock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAMGcjJFjEg43EfzCA_HekDAah1bayR-ZDm4l9LQAPZs40nALdaHWZpBHZAjZFX5ZG6pXewA_aBDdZC7L8BYzag4fu_qxwZEU1DrjRP_AQl9utGpuxxEI1UjN_xAXfHi9712iH5TBIdxc/s1600/C&O+Canal+Lock2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockhouse 16 along the C&O Canal</td></tr>
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How can you not love Billy Goat Trail! Located on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, adjacent to the C&O Canal, this trail offers A LOT OF EVERYTHING!<br />
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"Section A" of this trail is classic! However, often overlooked, is "Section B" and "Section C". Include the Great Falls overlook at Olmstead Island, and you have ~ 9 miles of some incredible hiking!<br />
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For a hike that gets better and better, park at Carderock and start with Billy Goat Trail Section C, moving to B, then A.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG08GWFvaSQYsftznsww-N9stEvyRJLxWYe-mxeZcz1okHlYpQZIij8orCN03AB3pwNRPNANW35MSrOECDTcZO0bPdWrVUlqdXX1rxmqYJPrrBP7LYpP4_YiODwCHgppYbFlo-Fk7CfgX/s1600/Billy+Goat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG08GWFvaSQYsftznsww-N9stEvyRJLxWYe-mxeZcz1okHlYpQZIij8orCN03AB3pwNRPNANW35MSrOECDTcZO0bPdWrVUlqdXX1rxmqYJPrrBP7LYpP4_YiODwCHgppYbFlo-Fk7CfgX/s1600/Billy+Goat1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Section C</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaKYCfleJsQ4QTKRIXSRaxEfLphlPJCqtIzOBz2J2yo3HZNrN4mCaXeH0RttOYdPzPtJNsEzXnfwlHRqFddxgwXeInWLZJdwXn4SmU06kAYsdBcGxxqM5-kfO3MLDiKKzVgD-Ibair36C/s1600/Billy+Goat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaKYCfleJsQ4QTKRIXSRaxEfLphlPJCqtIzOBz2J2yo3HZNrN4mCaXeH0RttOYdPzPtJNsEzXnfwlHRqFddxgwXeInWLZJdwXn4SmU06kAYsdBcGxxqM5-kfO3MLDiKKzVgD-Ibair36C/s1600/Billy+Goat12.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section C is mostly wooded, running along the rivers edge. A nice, easy trail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMqOMXDlA1q8lRPH1y3Sg8OF6gBV9_87uvi-SILH_wLMtLyd56-s6YnJzyMCo67mXryQkXZOOQ1AiBbCWn7hhov3FmtpGEFMk3P9kisLtXdreD77CQZMgXe68iWXu38upXNY_iMzucpfz/s1600/Autumn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMqOMXDlA1q8lRPH1y3Sg8OF6gBV9_87uvi-SILH_wLMtLyd56-s6YnJzyMCo67mXryQkXZOOQ1AiBbCWn7hhov3FmtpGEFMk3P9kisLtXdreD77CQZMgXe68iWXu38upXNY_iMzucpfz/s1600/Autumn1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Potomac River - with a small stream feeding in.</td></tr>
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Section C loops back out to the C&O Canal, heading west before ducking back in as Section B. This section has aA few more rocks to navigate with nice views of the river.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbg4rSo7PG1aYVn84GtvlPBq0THCXaN8FLfCwsMErHyVWfPlSGw-7ObFldzKrarrm8QD_lXfLF1_RhlHbuzLPIE5TcIODVgrQzi3tLOdAPPVQ4LVXtY0m0zaUUj-hN1MAXVb6nw5v9_NH/s1600/C&O+C+West+Looking+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbg4rSo7PG1aYVn84GtvlPBq0THCXaN8FLfCwsMErHyVWfPlSGw-7ObFldzKrarrm8QD_lXfLF1_RhlHbuzLPIE5TcIODVgrQzi3tLOdAPPVQ4LVXtY0m0zaUUj-hN1MAXVb6nw5v9_NH/s1600/C&O+C+West+Looking+West.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C&O Canal looking west</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjddIXfyRYnleZVkqG5EywLlizbVYveyZ4d7SpAEKHvF5CvRZFk4T-pjVX21fe2l1t0xow5O_tY5sHcpcu8ieCndMXFpTDygSEdZeeGYEQWASfEZUrVVeb3uC3Fj0JsikSwf_e3f08aE-/s1600/Billy+Goat+B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjddIXfyRYnleZVkqG5EywLlizbVYveyZ4d7SpAEKHvF5CvRZFk4T-pjVX21fe2l1t0xow5O_tY5sHcpcu8ieCndMXFpTDygSEdZeeGYEQWASfEZUrVVeb3uC3Fj0JsikSwf_e3f08aE-/s1600/Billy+Goat+B15.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section B of the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPo363CwXdxM_BdXyk9dQsBP5-I6kJbGKQSzOm4IsQdBB4Vt2tj6drV1tP0bPALOgDozBjf7tQiSlhKwIHLotVKchf8BYZBuSWnQUBlJiixtOBHui79YG6jlSyWeZUs_XqPTr6i3CDxck/s1600/Billy+Goat+B14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPo363CwXdxM_BdXyk9dQsBP5-I6kJbGKQSzOm4IsQdBB4Vt2tj6drV1tP0bPALOgDozBjf7tQiSlhKwIHLotVKchf8BYZBuSWnQUBlJiixtOBHui79YG6jlSyWeZUs_XqPTr6i3CDxck/s1600/Billy+Goat+B14.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section has a lengthy rock section, this being one portion. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RGtDY_EfFcqtTLy_-uNRpdR2zhyphenhyphenOAy1um-iXZOPYb0TELMv8zawNR8I4n3bQQuN5RDj0c25H-uyIRILv0O06OFmp2F1aSpG8WkjHotBmiNtOaB_BWXH4zL8Bi5bKr7iBSmxeunW7IkvP/s1600/Billy+Goat+B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RGtDY_EfFcqtTLy_-uNRpdR2zhyphenhyphenOAy1um-iXZOPYb0TELMv8zawNR8I4n3bQQuN5RDj0c25H-uyIRILv0O06OFmp2F1aSpG8WkjHotBmiNtOaB_BWXH4zL8Bi5bKr7iBSmxeunW7IkvP/s1600/Billy+Goat+B16.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Creek Crossing</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaQeoFgByuVgsJ_PldsaTfRBesFU6qlT-B8HYYyZJEOWDBUMwpe7QNswnSFPwa5xAxJNxfxU0dFYKYnOTUM0K__tgwZ5ZpmjFoCKIB4EnCnACEDZlCgrbuLi_2mVyzX7z2uLA_BuJfrVz/s1600/Billy+Goat+B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaQeoFgByuVgsJ_PldsaTfRBesFU6qlT-B8HYYyZJEOWDBUMwpe7QNswnSFPwa5xAxJNxfxU0dFYKYnOTUM0K__tgwZ5ZpmjFoCKIB4EnCnACEDZlCgrbuLi_2mVyzX7z2uLA_BuJfrVz/s1600/Billy+Goat+B17.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpmeWyyipNgifXjjaEboe-tQiyxCsREfqWSMYWHhpfOBrRIHRR2Us3h7UxWqHRD9skm-YiQBWY8IBNcd28EkGiF4ci3_ai9TRaVXr0fGSTP7vJFkPNo0WJm4ink6M46WZzFe23ozOiBt_/s1600/Billy+Goat+B18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpmeWyyipNgifXjjaEboe-tQiyxCsREfqWSMYWHhpfOBrRIHRR2Us3h7UxWqHRD9skm-YiQBWY8IBNcd28EkGiF4ci3_ai9TRaVXr0fGSTP7vJFkPNo0WJm4ink6M46WZzFe23ozOiBt_/s1600/Billy+Goat+B18.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpttpwl5ndxNTRHzwWGORIWVcugjkQRAVaNrzQzUgK1lMd1uSxyczCTSTMU8e1q2l5TUoZZ7ZmHvWDdOG2Pt_nOleU1ylxILzqitSXPH7hzGwUTWchpuN1a6YE3r2YmWb3lnJRJw6gGVS/s1600/Billy+Goat+B19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpttpwl5ndxNTRHzwWGORIWVcugjkQRAVaNrzQzUgK1lMd1uSxyczCTSTMU8e1q2l5TUoZZ7ZmHvWDdOG2Pt_nOleU1ylxILzqitSXPH7hzGwUTWchpuN1a6YE3r2YmWb3lnJRJw6gGVS/s1600/Billy+Goat+B19.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of the rain had fallen in the morning. It left a damp, colorful, clean wooded area that started to show the onset of Autumn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWjhkxEJaTmYt1vIwbss88dfEyB415OiHU_ZDZejAtcMQ5xpZcC6aYyLnkKZfMci0SEKJ3sE3XLdl32XsvefjDctA8HINaEofX1pRrIe_nA0Q0IITJ-irl62QsOUpC05pJAnWa_uHoGUk/s1600/Autumn4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWjhkxEJaTmYt1vIwbss88dfEyB415OiHU_ZDZejAtcMQ5xpZcC6aYyLnkKZfMci0SEKJ3sE3XLdl32XsvefjDctA8HINaEofX1pRrIe_nA0Q0IITJ-irl62QsOUpC05pJAnWa_uHoGUk/s1600/Autumn4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLUTYcnk7S0EN9Z1MP8m8xI8lw9hyphenhyphenDvSeKww608grsJdhB3CZO76u92Ey0xpElAXqgbcMvZPcaeqVt4p6RVpJ39rfXOhT2nmVdctYbWrEkspvpas32ad7M1WngsX7Vt6O1FFJfEKeUg88/s1600/Autumn6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLUTYcnk7S0EN9Z1MP8m8xI8lw9hyphenhyphenDvSeKww608grsJdhB3CZO76u92Ey0xpElAXqgbcMvZPcaeqVt4p6RVpJ39rfXOhT2nmVdctYbWrEkspvpas32ad7M1WngsX7Vt6O1FFJfEKeUg88/s1600/Autumn6.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIOECnGDLeVX_mwyGX6032z7PaCpVhgMuN5SbRwKcn1EgyJXNTPXUe0ZJOF0eAsbeVvYae-LibYPHEqiSVVggc3Cwf5GYHSq7Tp9h5_ZMxOeSOGHa8rFxcOh5xBqACK0FqzjrfwmPDKBS/s1600/Autumn9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIOECnGDLeVX_mwyGX6032z7PaCpVhgMuN5SbRwKcn1EgyJXNTPXUe0ZJOF0eAsbeVvYae-LibYPHEqiSVVggc3Cwf5GYHSq7Tp9h5_ZMxOeSOGHa8rFxcOh5xBqACK0FqzjrfwmPDKBS/s1600/Autumn9.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTjK9GetHjMD0R3u7745gpbS-DuQ6jC1zkJAyahRjOvmC_1S2Z7zRzXWzHrjZ0EUyzBqk2rdkXP1JTTd7fVnaQhq_lFfuuQo5u7Y2bf6NKHNBeNaPxuwpBeKFIucI0dqhHP5XwfUID86H/s1600/Autumn95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTjK9GetHjMD0R3u7745gpbS-DuQ6jC1zkJAyahRjOvmC_1S2Z7zRzXWzHrjZ0EUyzBqk2rdkXP1JTTd7fVnaQhq_lFfuuQo5u7Y2bf6NKHNBeNaPxuwpBeKFIucI0dqhHP5XwfUID86H/s1600/Autumn95.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Section A; with its ruggedness, scrambles and views offers a fun hike. To this point I had gone roughly 3.5 miles and was ready to get into this next section. While it is only 1.7 miles in length, they estimate 2 hours to complete. With a photo or two taken, and a short break to enjoy the view, it took me about 1.5 hours to complete this section.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJTDy3dujajQuykbhnKhej3MghXGwQ19AWRHHu439Uw_WYtQxNhb-29YgMA4C7gffG1G7xRvyjJJ9sqJO4WOuxnxrahmi4zqXsngWwaB8HXbKLai2Opy661w2DCpOEFLVxmJZzIvP3TP8/s1600/Billy+Goat+A13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJTDy3dujajQuykbhnKhej3MghXGwQ19AWRHHu439Uw_WYtQxNhb-29YgMA4C7gffG1G7xRvyjJJ9sqJO4WOuxnxrahmi4zqXsngWwaB8HXbKLai2Opy661w2DCpOEFLVxmJZzIvP3TP8/s1600/Billy+Goat+A13.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section A of the trail starts from the Canal area and immediately heads down to the river area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaK_S0A3SgCJtM99mueQ4njX6YtI0g-omCuOZELc_uWUuAS6R5YppRd9H7S6Z1uFydPqitDsTco6JppDNjFS_oTLxsc0VveppFjb7opr5c3EfUSdZARr16Ps9Yhogq4RF7K8mlNaWh7Ae/s1600/Scramble11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaK_S0A3SgCJtM99mueQ4njX6YtI0g-omCuOZELc_uWUuAS6R5YppRd9H7S6Z1uFydPqitDsTco6JppDNjFS_oTLxsc0VveppFjb7opr5c3EfUSdZARr16Ps9Yhogq4RF7K8mlNaWh7Ae/s1600/Scramble11.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the initial scrambles...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja66uDb-XhLjeOxZX_e2xTE7BD2kquFkLUeQ4-u_Xuz7ZMHHyqwHE-QiI_3JvySQip_nasXzvm_gQ36BW5DCiC84rdVWF0xji8EGSqGvGHrPxsHlyIfaXk9yMUU7oBzFSwUnBnvP8vt_Oe/s1600/Scramble12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja66uDb-XhLjeOxZX_e2xTE7BD2kquFkLUeQ4-u_Xuz7ZMHHyqwHE-QiI_3JvySQip_nasXzvm_gQ36BW5DCiC84rdVWF0xji8EGSqGvGHrPxsHlyIfaXk9yMUU7oBzFSwUnBnvP8vt_Oe/s1600/Scramble12.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvlIsOjITTupAz-_uU79QsvUcdjRyBIOZ4y4z0g7mNTBf4yKLeu6pB77m0U7UeZo4P_wftxNomQxNe7S9Zc2fRPpBA8zJOQnzS7FIgkSHCyvxMcNsJ7ixvpK3hx7peNOuywTzE02Q_sNN/s1600/Scramble13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvlIsOjITTupAz-_uU79QsvUcdjRyBIOZ4y4z0g7mNTBf4yKLeu6pB77m0U7UeZo4P_wftxNomQxNe7S9Zc2fRPpBA8zJOQnzS7FIgkSHCyvxMcNsJ7ixvpK3hx7peNOuywTzE02Q_sNN/s1600/Scramble13.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this stage, you work your way from blue blaze to blue blaze...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGuosRM-8hgP-hOoM9fjHZAdIY5HeRcDlj07WLXMjEkYRY6Mqqt7Fs5dMhwqjt8sW2JQuY-luubPM5QgAoTKSsqExr9Ko8E98m8wm4pB9Aku72JkmxO2q8nA0k254EnjIT-lVmWLzGwFa/s1600/Scramble15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGuosRM-8hgP-hOoM9fjHZAdIY5HeRcDlj07WLXMjEkYRY6Mqqt7Fs5dMhwqjt8sW2JQuY-luubPM5QgAoTKSsqExr9Ko8E98m8wm4pB9Aku72JkmxO2q8nA0k254EnjIT-lVmWLzGwFa/s1600/Scramble15.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stream crossing as you cut inland working your way further up river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXiJoJekCkT_DOT2LZrz1SU7oYdAsWPtjG_jQzMKZaDWtSbENegqOZUxTtPqwFrPC3KJ3KhKe6mqi55ugQj-lwN0rRKMNFuQvc4rLI-M0phEDh2Y_bEmv0o6iyfajDZupKBUsrf7vLWvP/s1600/Scramble16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXiJoJekCkT_DOT2LZrz1SU7oYdAsWPtjG_jQzMKZaDWtSbENegqOZUxTtPqwFrPC3KJ3KhKe6mqi55ugQj-lwN0rRKMNFuQvc4rLI-M0phEDh2Y_bEmv0o6iyfajDZupKBUsrf7vLWvP/s1600/Scramble16.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaKqHqBde8SpG_q9Nsp3fzFz68jyrbupLSr7BJKqRqcQ6Jl0jMahlBhJXpsJz2gjmLUyrATodBTkX3LrTchr0idi0_adfWukykYa213Q-Fr0Zs5_Q0139v69w_s0onKWvPc7kmOqPDPdM/s1600/Scramble17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaKqHqBde8SpG_q9Nsp3fzFz68jyrbupLSr7BJKqRqcQ6Jl0jMahlBhJXpsJz2gjmLUyrATodBTkX3LrTchr0idi0_adfWukykYa213Q-Fr0Zs5_Q0139v69w_s0onKWvPc7kmOqPDPdM/s1600/Scramble17.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up and down, as you climb following the maze of blue blaze</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH60j6Bl2fntrZfR3lb4IJVFhpW44ijk6HDg7Tc7EdBR3SDAYFYgWybFU-ILgRZzEYMOUy_Tgz-lC6sbM10j_Cudxlv1MGcX_mo42W0PkXbI_1QoOVgGKlf0_6VvoF-2Gza4ZCUHBHSmw/s1600/Scramble19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH60j6Bl2fntrZfR3lb4IJVFhpW44ijk6HDg7Tc7EdBR3SDAYFYgWybFU-ILgRZzEYMOUy_Tgz-lC6sbM10j_Cudxlv1MGcX_mo42W0PkXbI_1QoOVgGKlf0_6VvoF-2Gza4ZCUHBHSmw/s1600/Scramble19.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors and views abound...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXsmxXMSVDri9Qb08xmt6EYbpON8H6hU9lutOBc_dljMz65IGXW-qy9jE52Z6M9imhAS2DQnjULfTZZ8BvgbvQWRl-UO-luFIfugRr-HEEoCTWHj9boJT7IQ0NuZCC8PQln1AZ99QcZ-Y/s1600/Scramble23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXsmxXMSVDri9Qb08xmt6EYbpON8H6hU9lutOBc_dljMz65IGXW-qy9jE52Z6M9imhAS2DQnjULfTZZ8BvgbvQWRl-UO-luFIfugRr-HEEoCTWHj9boJT7IQ0NuZCC8PQln1AZ99QcZ-Y/s1600/Scramble23.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands and feet required.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGE4PmRdTMiharSWCfy41jJMy_WzQPcgbUhu231gpxmgdZLwoq11XzpVpcPB3CPHUhla5n6Ha5SflpV2nxyCk1PtXrpM-bJodyuOAzrZv2k72tdu4zKm65fgjEUS_QZQ2c2hSHbAR8XYf/s1600/Scramble24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGE4PmRdTMiharSWCfy41jJMy_WzQPcgbUhu231gpxmgdZLwoq11XzpVpcPB3CPHUhla5n6Ha5SflpV2nxyCk1PtXrpM-bJodyuOAzrZv2k72tdu4zKm65fgjEUS_QZQ2c2hSHbAR8XYf/s1600/Scramble24.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I find it difficult to show scale in some instances, particularly ascents and descents. The most challenging descent (or ascent coming from the opposite direction) along Billy Goat Trail is this 40ft rock ledge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQnqyGvJSVVfm2kfHiGKuULarH9ZNOVsi6vuJbiajk6WhdIU0ru3wMV4mxLJktLg0HROwMbEzHO60bQ8bYEWIoOVf9LYnNfCUApPnL6yGZKuPCs9ccyIu-qAjz5w6qZQuYu8sQNd-K1Ji/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQnqyGvJSVVfm2kfHiGKuULarH9ZNOVsi6vuJbiajk6WhdIU0ru3wMV4mxLJktLg0HROwMbEzHO60bQ8bYEWIoOVf9LYnNfCUApPnL6yGZKuPCs9ccyIu-qAjz5w6qZQuYu8sQNd-K1Ji/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40ft descent...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztrVct1Kq0MMj5QcF6YjJujo59pZeAjg5SUSFDZtoIJ76PgpB-Lzbropf_kKRY5ozNfBxZHVqqZdgpFpIXPUvdV5v6RY68_myfnb03DxasY7RncoN-3WdDHY9kA7nGz5vtQbdUrB6Cryx/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztrVct1Kq0MMj5QcF6YjJujo59pZeAjg5SUSFDZtoIJ76PgpB-Lzbropf_kKRY5ozNfBxZHVqqZdgpFpIXPUvdV5v6RY68_myfnb03DxasY7RncoN-3WdDHY9kA7nGz5vtQbdUrB6Cryx/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-5.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down I go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3prsDU9q4Yo5atZWEjwMXSHq16bbWfE1gVlNtfLQfvWRRRIRdeC5N2XYi-khlUMtG33oLJCJyKzMuspqiejKEZmfbvR4Eo4U1xKkZxWW9mNVCUqdqTfiScGqHKuzkcmQi8D21wuwOsNRp/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3prsDU9q4Yo5atZWEjwMXSHq16bbWfE1gVlNtfLQfvWRRRIRdeC5N2XYi-khlUMtG33oLJCJyKzMuspqiejKEZmfbvR4Eo4U1xKkZxWW9mNVCUqdqTfiScGqHKuzkcmQi8D21wuwOsNRp/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-8.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAj0WhZTXCpKucJ6NjpNc3Xf4Sy-9wHbOLC0g_eVFEAsoNCqDuHzxFE68EoGcIs3Q1mqhJY87c-2E_y2xHxqPhb8GXro2DisDuXFIN6xoOXfIgr9rnyDy-OvuiYsxp5YyzlkNbAiE7KZn/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAj0WhZTXCpKucJ6NjpNc3Xf4Sy-9wHbOLC0g_eVFEAsoNCqDuHzxFE68EoGcIs3Q1mqhJY87c-2E_y2xHxqPhb8GXro2DisDuXFIN6xoOXfIgr9rnyDy-OvuiYsxp5YyzlkNbAiE7KZn/s1600/Scramble27+-+40-91.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upward from near the bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSgNCcwOzcAOOceKuUe0p1VImKtxmczqhnsmFaK6cAFsrH3pN1NqdUN2F5wGQ4_FPa5pwhGG8VDQ5rCnZBhHXPXYPr3zFkCuSPFH4JouWizp2qQhQ8Z41kNmO0OjeGvDfKKn85wfMTLJq/s1600/Scramble33.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSgNCcwOzcAOOceKuUe0p1VImKtxmczqhnsmFaK6cAFsrH3pN1NqdUN2F5wGQ4_FPa5pwhGG8VDQ5rCnZBhHXPXYPr3zFkCuSPFH4JouWizp2qQhQ8Z41kNmO0OjeGvDfKKn85wfMTLJq/s1600/Scramble33.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CsBlGqH2vJFwVm2RkyU3ll7IQAcLdzlpVaH0_EFxf-7XgVL-DRL4uNqeRCmLc-6A3k_pRQhKa2QR0gKN3RwJSxzcRPfF4EMQJ30AgxwUu0_LVsML2O3eFX3zTTECxugXufkCb5Db5h2k/s1600/Scramble34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CsBlGqH2vJFwVm2RkyU3ll7IQAcLdzlpVaH0_EFxf-7XgVL-DRL4uNqeRCmLc-6A3k_pRQhKa2QR0gKN3RwJSxzcRPfF4EMQJ30AgxwUu0_LVsML2O3eFX3zTTECxugXufkCb5Db5h2k/s1600/Scramble34.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Falls National Park is just across the river in Virginia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once you finish Billy Goat Trail you continue up along the C&O Canal to the Great Falls Overlook on Olmstead Island. While it makes for a long hike, it's worth the additional mileage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSCtYdYoZqgI1SPjxKjO_jJ1rgMtgqcoJ5yXGncmEaPAkR4i2gwiMZ_AAD6XXWjrpI23Mmfc0JxlK8_821qdgoCjoE58VgyHf9S6ui6cJAmc1r3ewvhm5WY1vcMfRg90697SiuZJV8P7L/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSCtYdYoZqgI1SPjxKjO_jJ1rgMtgqcoJ5yXGncmEaPAkR4i2gwiMZ_AAD6XXWjrpI23Mmfc0JxlK8_821qdgoCjoE58VgyHf9S6ui6cJAmc1r3ewvhm5WY1vcMfRg90697SiuZJV8P7L/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the treat, after a long, sometimes strenuous hike, is the walk back along the C&O Canal. No more twisting, climbing trails to hike, just enjoy the solitude and beauty as you log the 4 miles or so back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrulwYCRtVGmoByM4TXj4o_Nkv6tb4SQ_qjgxuyeFUFPx_YnlwypXF07UNAvu3UyMVdhEU-b3aWIa0zNki2y1Eny2FptU8DI_p49sPNNc4oDS4xMR156IlYChVJJC6d4emeIQ-CHU06Zi/s1600/C&O+Canal+Lock1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrulwYCRtVGmoByM4TXj4o_Nkv6tb4SQ_qjgxuyeFUFPx_YnlwypXF07UNAvu3UyMVdhEU-b3aWIa0zNki2y1Eny2FptU8DI_p49sPNNc4oDS4xMR156IlYChVJJC6d4emeIQ-CHU06Zi/s1600/C&O+Canal+Lock1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qIQTVSHpiWzWWLbyPH5i89hF5f_nNDaFjCi8plCEBkCY5dggLxQawbH1ay_2Mu-bCwFQctSDXZwZJFJgl0MjG65AgS30Z_zhpGnK7EemWVubOIdgA8ZxV-m80d1eLUQchNWLIW7IC8o1/s1600/C&O+A+West+Looking+East.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qIQTVSHpiWzWWLbyPH5i89hF5f_nNDaFjCi8plCEBkCY5dggLxQawbH1ay_2Mu-bCwFQctSDXZwZJFJgl0MjG65AgS30Z_zhpGnK7EemWVubOIdgA8ZxV-m80d1eLUQchNWLIW7IC8o1/s1600/C&O+A+West+Looking+East.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCAeed1Jc372sJF3g2tbP3vMjREjP7RBsOLc2f_-ClV3wDlYC-x21y9OVN6p1b5Vpd7vZnEIh9A8oA0Hy_hqaDaTBymHRyCaZ0ixk2llKZsGK6kDZ5NAdt09w0Gg2wEJ8tsNeLYN-4uLV/s1600/C&O+Canal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCAeed1Jc372sJF3g2tbP3vMjREjP7RBsOLc2f_-ClV3wDlYC-x21y9OVN6p1b5Vpd7vZnEIh9A8oA0Hy_hqaDaTBymHRyCaZ0ixk2llKZsGK6kDZ5NAdt09w0Gg2wEJ8tsNeLYN-4uLV/s1600/C&O+Canal2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjUgX2LUWbcqucrXHj8RJuNUm3LHLK83V6WKrwH-1NfcAVytuhf2OYAc0ai1_jA8BlHb9e7f95KwjtmtL7yFSwsAp4NnwvPHpU0GKLB771CQI83JYYCdBM34xXP4N95rNkYuqqyrlDPgi/s1600/C&O+Canal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjUgX2LUWbcqucrXHj8RJuNUm3LHLK83V6WKrwH-1NfcAVytuhf2OYAc0ai1_jA8BlHb9e7f95KwjtmtL7yFSwsAp4NnwvPHpU0GKLB771CQI83JYYCdBM34xXP4N95rNkYuqqyrlDPgi/s1600/C&O+Canal1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIWEWdXYeKRZBL3O6KJgJmlx3n_5gE-tfy6ZFjkKF5Voh1OoysHc2uJbOWrtqvoj3R1otJdBTJ_9ijQcj5dVbbMljO-gI6qG0h3VoZuPF0sJ0J3sMtqkTB2Ih7QuyxWrbpPrF-HAaLGke/s1600/The+End1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIWEWdXYeKRZBL3O6KJgJmlx3n_5gE-tfy6ZFjkKF5Voh1OoysHc2uJbOWrtqvoj3R1otJdBTJ_9ijQcj5dVbbMljO-gI6qG0h3VoZuPF0sJ0J3sMtqkTB2Ih7QuyxWrbpPrF-HAaLGke/s1600/The+End1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep Hiking, Friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mike</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-84618884378367136732014-10-08T18:39:00.004-07:002014-10-09T05:42:36.628-07:00#40 - James River - Richmond, VA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richmond's version of a pigeon</td></tr>
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With a perfect Autumn day this past Sunday, the options for a beautiful hike were plentiful.Wanting to get out for a 6-8 mile hike, and not be too isolated on such a nice day, Bonnie and I decided to head to Richmond Virginia for the day.<br />
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With the James River rolling through the middle of downtown, Richmond is a very interesting city. There are the more traditional urban activities of historic areas, monuments, museums, and shops, however, the surprise comes in the more rural activities all within a birds-eye view of downtown!<br />
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Buttermilk and North Bank trails provided us a 7 mile loop that offered wooded trails, the beautiful river, sunshine, wildlife and cityscape. If you're looking for a fun day, you just can't go wrong here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRkVAWUWPUQElZn7jKuhR9QJ2onR9WSXeDVftcF8LG7d5POtQlBSoSVn46FgG3LEuFzcwUCDcSL4ddK62v-4DaKh-4fLbQEvfvbVgwOmNhs3qSoT7rMGkgzaK-WhrK7aB5VPDlK0MM145/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRkVAWUWPUQElZn7jKuhR9QJ2onR9WSXeDVftcF8LG7d5POtQlBSoSVn46FgG3LEuFzcwUCDcSL4ddK62v-4DaKh-4fLbQEvfvbVgwOmNhs3qSoT7rMGkgzaK-WhrK7aB5VPDlK0MM145/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting started at Buttermilk Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf2wtczVG6wo6iphz3U55cbTrutrj8h6kyeoymIr4MzhmGnfTBFJdJJa13ohcE9CzWbo0qZMPY6U6vJuey-n2qnJzq7-J-bPrnOcU-AaUQLpf5SBoVxfShpO6M4O7SDL5HonZuNaa4s9n/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf2wtczVG6wo6iphz3U55cbTrutrj8h6kyeoymIr4MzhmGnfTBFJdJJa13ohcE9CzWbo0qZMPY6U6vJuey-n2qnJzq7-J-bPrnOcU-AaUQLpf5SBoVxfShpO6M4O7SDL5HonZuNaa4s9n/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City hiking!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WEAZQmFKCkx3fMsUzKzYNwf_TIi1FHX7ROTd7SPxjjU2UGAQvl5QlVjHSKD9XNTwfAZTo8OVLEUXxxShC6OYNd84lLGAAgzzYsOhjCNmGz7XbYF-4Mv3lrAz6NT3Boun691gK5v3R65y/s1600/Buttermilk+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WEAZQmFKCkx3fMsUzKzYNwf_TIi1FHX7ROTd7SPxjjU2UGAQvl5QlVjHSKD9XNTwfAZTo8OVLEUXxxShC6OYNd84lLGAAgzzYsOhjCNmGz7XbYF-4Mv3lrAz6NT3Boun691gK5v3R65y/s1600/Buttermilk+Spring.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmers stored milk cans in Buttermilk Spring in the 1800's.<br />
The water kept the milk cool for a later sale downtown.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1G98HXW4ScRcyUHoLTbFqtHQfaITK3hKnDWnlacnpw_MpzYU2XuhAK3-rFRgM_jsUvrZOrWIRjKApX8lY3PWEHu1_z9Roz4lraTb_bzy2oCXTFAIIv_vu4yoO2v8TaiIjRSV3L8LH4L_/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1G98HXW4ScRcyUHoLTbFqtHQfaITK3hKnDWnlacnpw_MpzYU2XuhAK3-rFRgM_jsUvrZOrWIRjKApX8lY3PWEHu1_z9Roz4lraTb_bzy2oCXTFAIIv_vu4yoO2v8TaiIjRSV3L8LH4L_/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail7.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie taking the high road!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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While there is good path maintenance overall, this multi-use path is used by hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers alike! The traffic of bikes was low, but it was interesting to see them maneuver on the few occasions they came by.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyvYR5txbIHFxzGJ_fAxAbomkszijIP-HZFqBmYAVu5GlsYEXG2Kg6bu-owTdLbP84rh6R20jMAQv0aWu7hA98VSaEEcMWSmr8rF_TTRrhctDt8NHy3fJQnIYXqOmDWYE5pw-ocWnbfCw/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyvYR5txbIHFxzGJ_fAxAbomkszijIP-HZFqBmYAVu5GlsYEXG2Kg6bu-owTdLbP84rh6R20jMAQv0aWu7hA98VSaEEcMWSmr8rF_TTRrhctDt8NHy3fJQnIYXqOmDWYE5pw-ocWnbfCw/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail6.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzD1HF7Wlk6BUK6QMQ_CacOA_LPbmZ1iM0ts4wpDWwfc7xONMcwtITjZG68LUXe8V1Rs2l0xk2GJboDvyRprLX4HcsXxbLzLO2kIRPmCAXexzzgjRQyfbselJ_NI6PhD0NGHN704WV248c/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzD1HF7Wlk6BUK6QMQ_CacOA_LPbmZ1iM0ts4wpDWwfc7xONMcwtITjZG68LUXe8V1Rs2l0xk2GJboDvyRprLX4HcsXxbLzLO2kIRPmCAXexzzgjRQyfbselJ_NI6PhD0NGHN704WV248c/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail9.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiker descent (L). Mountain bike descent (R)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrgPrHZ6HFUIM4riKQ3Ck6mOzzAwly6Hfoyj3PBDpSUGndQB2t7GPrDfsvBZOxPX32k6iypgMevgGu26A2erraWDHUVNg7bkZAOMNgpLZl28VfVq2l1esjN_CPdhXikD_NAzeE_Tw2x9B/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrgPrHZ6HFUIM4riKQ3Ck6mOzzAwly6Hfoyj3PBDpSUGndQB2t7GPrDfsvBZOxPX32k6iypgMevgGu26A2erraWDHUVNg7bkZAOMNgpLZl28VfVq2l1esjN_CPdhXikD_NAzeE_Tw2x9B/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail91.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYYJRrlM_xSIeivXIWLIJMoh2tmo1TNNwYz3qChRGGjL-CqLsqPbtUSPViSYeq6K4anNGxq7qBoFnjIEAIM2NITEI3RuiGGoUIcfNdJMYh0Pgdf6WT3k9p16e3lJbj7AjQLG6wHMwcNEx/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYYJRrlM_xSIeivXIWLIJMoh2tmo1TNNwYz3qChRGGjL-CqLsqPbtUSPViSYeq6K4anNGxq7qBoFnjIEAIM2NITEI3RuiGGoUIcfNdJMYh0Pgdf6WT3k9p16e3lJbj7AjQLG6wHMwcNEx/s1600/Buttermilk+Trail93.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Buttermilk trail ended at Boulevard Bridge which offered beautiful views of the James River. A perfect place to enjoy the rocks and river, picnic, and just relax.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transitioning from Buttermilk path to Boulevard Bridge</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQBjybmiUfn0ICgf9kme3UYtWxdR0CKBgKCBGLqHhDcqlqh9eXR3WKqVGVFuW45Yuchc4tYnrmVWRHAV-URvDSJeqYXJYQ3WGraYHs8EpmDAAzemIqFn9awyoNXxknuBTSYuz_dtvhlsT/s1600/Boulevard+Bridge+Crossing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQBjybmiUfn0ICgf9kme3UYtWxdR0CKBgKCBGLqHhDcqlqh9eXR3WKqVGVFuW45Yuchc4tYnrmVWRHAV-URvDSJeqYXJYQ3WGraYHs8EpmDAAzemIqFn9awyoNXxknuBTSYuz_dtvhlsT/s1600/Boulevard+Bridge+Crossing2.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once across the bridge, we arrive at the North Bank trail head. A nice trail with more sun, that transitioned to wooded, winding trails, and back to sun as we made our way back toward the city. Freight trains roared along both banks of the river, moving coal among other things.<br />
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With Autumn's arrival, snakes, turtles and other reptiles become more rare, however on this day, we spied a few along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxCX2HUgZ11AWyVoxHXH2vWndEOEh-K-sOHXq5xETePHRfzoNgH9vhKW1Csv94XsqKUW_ZwZP7XAac7w3WQDKnJdWdxFfm1EclbrftEIBwaLumrT7o_TOxBD6b7k3eMYWlYm_BPo3n1iY/s1600/Turtles1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxCX2HUgZ11AWyVoxHXH2vWndEOEh-K-sOHXq5xETePHRfzoNgH9vhKW1Csv94XsqKUW_ZwZP7XAac7w3WQDKnJdWdxFfm1EclbrftEIBwaLumrT7o_TOxBD6b7k3eMYWlYm_BPo3n1iY/s1600/Turtles1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Painted Turtles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo7vTTg2Bczoe8AP2FcukSIVBwQU23XI3E-NQ1FK5VZcBVRixjsb-LYkUecU0E5HlCXxF4LuJr_WPakgP0UJbXCE0VREhLvXumnevwoB1Aa6wq9a_NN4TjDQ8bl5vScAfk5JfGwIE240n/s1600/Green+Snake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo7vTTg2Bczoe8AP2FcukSIVBwQU23XI3E-NQ1FK5VZcBVRixjsb-LYkUecU0E5HlCXxF4LuJr_WPakgP0UJbXCE0VREhLvXumnevwoB1Aa6wq9a_NN4TjDQ8bl5vScAfk5JfGwIE240n/s1600/Green+Snake1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth Green Snake</td></tr>
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As we approached the Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge, the city came back into view. From there it was a bridge crossing over to Belle Isle.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvpLdwMw_Tb6kpJ9FGscWF68EfNimbP_DgGjmxpa6Oofo40aBjJxS3-04kgBYJolPDk_AdUpskXgYIoq1-hiTecogbldMFogOyjBYNwuH-iDy5VDURxf9UYZ08iIfqWgZ9eV-xQ-l2UVx/s1600/Richmond4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvpLdwMw_Tb6kpJ9FGscWF68EfNimbP_DgGjmxpa6Oofo40aBjJxS3-04kgBYJolPDk_AdUpskXgYIoq1-hiTecogbldMFogOyjBYNwuH-iDy5VDURxf9UYZ08iIfqWgZ9eV-xQ-l2UVx/s1600/Richmond4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Downtown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYTxnrJIFgAmxSsYWXOABXXcU5BXF76I2EYlQhRnfqpd1ype1GPrl_qXy0ZblCYDNJH4rYYvQYY6QgP85K1U6IWaONtcoBnqKJZi4JreEFkgM0Q56aeokVFCBaJ2bgVDQkmaJmqbG82S_/s1600/James+River4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYTxnrJIFgAmxSsYWXOABXXcU5BXF76I2EYlQhRnfqpd1ype1GPrl_qXy0ZblCYDNJH4rYYvQYY6QgP85K1U6IWaONtcoBnqKJZi4JreEFkgM0Q56aeokVFCBaJ2bgVDQkmaJmqbG82S_/s1600/James+River4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge to Belle Isle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwq7p_BmYXSGdLBPlaiHfc12kQ_robo5UyYABMEpYxH51Wq-VWgBTlCvReENBP0LrW5vYMFXoZP6cx_oAz5U9bzRmGLbaDsWXGtdtUvk7xDR5rN2zmSaHV2E1H7lcX1sYl6CSsVZ9GykC/s1600/James+River5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwq7p_BmYXSGdLBPlaiHfc12kQ_robo5UyYABMEpYxH51Wq-VWgBTlCvReENBP0LrW5vYMFXoZP6cx_oAz5U9bzRmGLbaDsWXGtdtUvk7xDR5rN2zmSaHV2E1H7lcX1sYl6CSsVZ9GykC/s1600/James+River5.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedestrian walkway to Belle Isle</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04FpGAMJ6OQyzX8_oIGYmfVXRVX74kMVw8Cxxl3PzCXJUJCu3TdGZEYNxdMZ8FIjfazVA7T5RLeCT6Oqi8kOcAhmYiRo0B77dJsJIpFSxmpN_a_J612zHW3fruK_VF7WovdDyr9j3rW75/s1600/James+River6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04FpGAMJ6OQyzX8_oIGYmfVXRVX74kMVw8Cxxl3PzCXJUJCu3TdGZEYNxdMZ8FIjfazVA7T5RLeCT6Oqi8kOcAhmYiRo0B77dJsJIpFSxmpN_a_J612zHW3fruK_VF7WovdDyr9j3rW75/s1600/James+River6.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful views of the James river and the city of Richmond are provided while crossing to Belle Isle.<br />
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Alas, to the Isle! A beautiful place in itself to spend half a day. Access to the rivers' rocks, walking paths, and historical markers abound. It is the final leg of today's hike. We finished our loop from here, 7 miles total. A beautiful day for sure!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ji89gmsC3ha1CBQI70tpaYOrbCN0oL0JUdaFN1yDr2B3Jm0UWbUzRdLg6GxVCs4cuRUeQF7YPv7jdPtxnyOKT2L12a4AxhVnf_KjCPNz8UD5_FWJkf8-rk-CIlNB4YU1LL0i_JlXVTQP/s1600/Belle+Island3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ji89gmsC3ha1CBQI70tpaYOrbCN0oL0JUdaFN1yDr2B3Jm0UWbUzRdLg6GxVCs4cuRUeQF7YPv7jdPtxnyOKT2L12a4AxhVnf_KjCPNz8UD5_FWJkf8-rk-CIlNB4YU1LL0i_JlXVTQP/s1600/Belle+Island3.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09czBBCnC1qjWbVcomqrKtclMsOtiezwuy9Hqnzy72PGmJZl7fPLnArnfZaKLjoy7s0ZqRq1aTUchL_1XuCWem27ZgAmI6yA_fu40uNsvGqCiBKV6n-xxpckSQ5vgVnAtN_zRmQ63kAKq/s1600/Kayak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09czBBCnC1qjWbVcomqrKtclMsOtiezwuy9Hqnzy72PGmJZl7fPLnArnfZaKLjoy7s0ZqRq1aTUchL_1XuCWem27ZgAmI6yA_fu40uNsvGqCiBKV6n-xxpckSQ5vgVnAtN_zRmQ63kAKq/s1600/Kayak1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_9Yvup88tusOA3H0k1MGJ3wBeQG7lG5E1RhndtHaeltw4ZB4X_AqD3tpqHSnYrlO55gluyu0FXFpUKXIsroTXiQ0nECRcywCSe2mM-lCIgRu3KIT5560Ht4mzFKlkZ9ItoHZVf6B6dyr/s1600/Belle+Island5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_9Yvup88tusOA3H0k1MGJ3wBeQG7lG5E1RhndtHaeltw4ZB4X_AqD3tpqHSnYrlO55gluyu0FXFpUKXIsroTXiQ0nECRcywCSe2mM-lCIgRu3KIT5560Ht4mzFKlkZ9ItoHZVf6B6dyr/s1600/Belle+Island5.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last crossing back to Buttermilk Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYfymqY4eCwk-ozjOAig-FUdhmFwS1BBX06nMp8sKhdkFq-3loeghb0KnB2qikjcmO21_cZoQc4fUr0WHmXYDcjGYBrPOectlCbPSZKWbWDDQBGe0scPF04VAlrFOJzxfZ9ww9NO__3JN/s1600/Belle+Island1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYfymqY4eCwk-ozjOAig-FUdhmFwS1BBX06nMp8sKhdkFq-3loeghb0KnB2qikjcmO21_cZoQc4fUr0WHmXYDcjGYBrPOectlCbPSZKWbWDDQBGe0scPF04VAlrFOJzxfZ9ww9NO__3JN/s1600/Belle+Island1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep Hiking, Friends!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-67951379086273239242014-10-04T06:56:00.001-07:002014-10-04T07:17:08.216-07:00#39 - Bull Run / Occoquan Trail - West<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuQcKlcB4nlU_fIuub45TRMWguexOsg42YhqZYwpWnQMW1Ntz8CwAAsLWAzAwa9F4xPBr3dOdUXZQzMc9i71t1N6A0x20volcTLwq05XDT_PxqR0e-J0Hg2V_rdYtYZrzaCRODlb61MqS/s1600/Rt28-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuQcKlcB4nlU_fIuub45TRMWguexOsg42YhqZYwpWnQMW1Ntz8CwAAsLWAzAwa9F4xPBr3dOdUXZQzMc9i71t1N6A0x20volcTLwq05XDT_PxqR0e-J0Hg2V_rdYtYZrzaCRODlb61MqS/s1600/Rt28-2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I had to come back. Had to see this leg from Hemlock Overlook heading west. I had done Fountain Head to Bull Run Marina - and Bull Run Marina to Hemlock Overlook. I was enjoying this trail too much and wanted to finish - or at least come close.<br />
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The trail is 18.1 miles total one way. I had done it as a series of out and backs to this point, and this day (26 September) was no different. A new 11 mile (total) out and back from Hemlock Overlook to the Route 28 overpass.<br />
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Autumn had arrived, so the colors were changing. Not to full autumn colors, but less vibrant greens as the autumn transition begins. Bull Run was running clear. A perfect day for a hike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mjkJt8UQVbOsoUn9hX7TGeyb4TuyGXuK0x-qvVKCwwgpSzQ-4VdrOPKd5oHUhnk0-BJHiL2qgCSOlWvufJ237Bz3WfzFXjcMXEQgTUVb6ANt63fFXujIrza39LSsBQnuUoDyl7srLof1/s1600/Trail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mjkJt8UQVbOsoUn9hX7TGeyb4TuyGXuK0x-qvVKCwwgpSzQ-4VdrOPKd5oHUhnk0-BJHiL2qgCSOlWvufJ237Bz3WfzFXjcMXEQgTUVb6ANt63fFXujIrza39LSsBQnuUoDyl7srLof1/s1600/Trail1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the .5 mile trail head at Hemlock Overlook</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jO5gHDN_RWvCSNJmlMpvWYri2C1IKn0zvKEiNKaGcl6Qi6QH1rSCC_GDXCvwXRVuc_x6yrEmmMMBqrivuRWwYSsEKbras3YyNpuIXcbQ9DojZLiBmHHVRQf-lY7bbuEmIvImMtHjerAN/s1600/Bull+Run13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jO5gHDN_RWvCSNJmlMpvWYri2C1IKn0zvKEiNKaGcl6Qi6QH1rSCC_GDXCvwXRVuc_x6yrEmmMMBqrivuRWwYSsEKbras3YyNpuIXcbQ9DojZLiBmHHVRQf-lY7bbuEmIvImMtHjerAN/s1600/Bull+Run13.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading West (upstream) to continue this trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbmrvV076_ykeMVcoORv1JkloyR0TUcVmrBXWZTqxhaBEFlRV7mfN6YmcxHfIs5e8n13NH-3XwgTB8JUlHtNSrvjluxsQlXfwSHqjd82vIdM5bHVYpgX28gV73nAKbZApTRi3TVqgej7S/s1600/Bull+Run12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbmrvV076_ykeMVcoORv1JkloyR0TUcVmrBXWZTqxhaBEFlRV7mfN6YmcxHfIs5e8n13NH-3XwgTB8JUlHtNSrvjluxsQlXfwSHqjd82vIdM5bHVYpgX28gV73nAKbZApTRi3TVqgej7S/s1600/Bull+Run12.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view along Bull Run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU4poO1zqpbN8qJbmH9EMIpl9WFVKgDQ1sTrjqALYCP7ny0R7wFLMW6diidfoh8Z2WEmfcXRw961fbi3rTtsKr7ol-8ESShCiytgJrd2VpZGDOC5Q0If6B6QfO-RFT_T6hXEQq9dE2PEK/s1600/Scenery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU4poO1zqpbN8qJbmH9EMIpl9WFVKgDQ1sTrjqALYCP7ny0R7wFLMW6diidfoh8Z2WEmfcXRw961fbi3rTtsKr7ol-8ESShCiytgJrd2VpZGDOC5Q0If6B6QfO-RFT_T6hXEQq9dE2PEK/s1600/Scenery1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With beautiful wooded scenery along the way</td></tr>
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I stayed on the blue-blazed trail, knowing I had a good hike ahead of me. As the trail winded along, I made a creek crossing at Johnny Moore Creek.</div>
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The path was in great shape as I moved along the waters edge. Plenty to see, a railroad crossing I was unaware of.</div>
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It was shortly after this I had a choice to make: stay on the blue-blazed trail, which cut in and up, or follow an unblazed trail along Bull Run. I chose the latter, which is something I rarely do, and this initially wide trail, became narrower - and narrower. I had broke my own rule of staying on the blazed trail.</div>
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The scenery was nice - though I was happy to have eventually met back up with the blue blaze at a creek crossing further up stream. </div>
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The remainder of the trail continued to be an enjoyable hike. A lone Civil War Artillery Embankment, turtles plopping into the stream as I walked by, and Blue Herons after their next catch. <br />
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I reached my turn-around point. Relaxed for a few moments, then doubled back. I stayed on the blue blaze this time, cutting up and in.</div>
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There is a total of 4 miles I have not done of this trail. The next time I hike this trail, I plan to hike the 18.1 miles point to point and take in this wonderful trail all at one time.</div>
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Until that time, see you on the trails!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-35235810646267402312014-09-28T14:52:00.000-07:002014-09-28T15:02:42.193-07:00#38 - Hemlock Overlook to Bull Run Marina<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_1285118628"></span><span id="goog_1285118629"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1285118628">Back in April, I hiked 8 miles of the Bull Run - Occoquan Trail</span>, from Bull Run Marina towards Fountain Head Park. I was surprised at that time how much I enjoyed this trail, hidden away in Fairfax County, VA (See hike #15 for that hike.)<br />
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Fast forward to Sep 12th, where I hiked the next leg - from Hemlock Overlook to Bull Run Marina. All I can say is "Wow!!", as this hike just gets better and better as you go along. Want hills? You got 'em! Flatter paths along the water? Check! Rocks, roots, twists, turns, forest, fields, wildlife and plants? This trail offers a little bit of everything.<br />
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I settled on a 10 mile (total) out and back, and with it being mostly wooded, a Summer's morning turns out to be a perfect time of year.<br />
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The path starts out dark and cool; descending to the waters edge... <br />
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Where on my previous hike (further East), I was already along the reservoir, I was surprised to see at this juncture I was still along the stream portion of Bull Run.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail head ending at Bull Run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Run</td></tr>
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The path lead along Bull Run for some time; a rocky, root hazard path that followed along this beautiful stream. Heading East, the stream began to slow as the effects of the dam and reservoir began to show.<br />
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The trail veered inward, where hills and switchbacks took over. It was quite beautiful; sunlight filtered through and the trees cast their long shadows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_WEItQY_2wHmgOJpseR79WYtZrJGkqlPEHaTqUZaWADPTr3NYyKrNSwTpBEjpb-H7z7z71hA0XpqtNKscaFIQ9shIH2vVBxpAD8yARdsyT8Q5fJ9mAOZPU5-wqfliZPJJaalqahMm2RV/s1600/Trail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_WEItQY_2wHmgOJpseR79WYtZrJGkqlPEHaTqUZaWADPTr3NYyKrNSwTpBEjpb-H7z7z71hA0XpqtNKscaFIQ9shIH2vVBxpAD8yARdsyT8Q5fJ9mAOZPU5-wqfliZPJJaalqahMm2RV/s1600/Trail2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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There were stream crossings along the way, with bridges and other trail maintenance provided by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. They've done an excellent job in getting through any areas of water or mud.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail maintenance through a low lying area</td></tr>
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Surprisingly, the trail ascended up and out into a field of tall grasses that made for some pretty views and a shot of blue sky as cloud cover moved in.</div>
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I made it to the end of today's destination 5 miles away, taking a break before doubling back. The trail was so nice, it didn't bother me that this was an "out and back" circuit. There were too many good things to see.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLLL173Qtl5az7L69A0XcmQk8Urm1gx-37Cbmj4v0EW4WkRfJAT2yj9oet0_7hnU39-cO0BGLZHdJRyAsvEnfoh-DVW00QfoPqHRrK5F3Zgq2bA9Hkzv5ih93dPHr3YsqMcV56MRElVZL/s1600/Heron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLLL173Qtl5az7L69A0XcmQk8Urm1gx-37Cbmj4v0EW4WkRfJAT2yj9oet0_7hnU39-cO0BGLZHdJRyAsvEnfoh-DVW00QfoPqHRrK5F3Zgq2bA9Hkzv5ih93dPHr3YsqMcV56MRElVZL/s1600/Heron1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of about 6 Blue Herons I saw this day</td></tr>
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I couldn't have asked for a better day; the scenery, the effort, all of the different elements of nature.<br />
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The beauty of this day is in remembrance of Amalia, whom I passed a makeshift memorial for.<br />
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Keep hiking, friends.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-85586126549233788402014-09-25T16:40:00.003-07:002017-12-27T15:44:08.412-08:00#37 - Havasu Creek<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Keep hiking, friends... </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-68717758547882337062014-09-20T04:41:00.000-07:002014-09-20T04:41:36.970-07:00#36 - Stone Creek Falls & Deer Creek Patio - GCNP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"On the first part of the journey<br />
I was looking at all the life<br />
There were plants and birds and rocks and things<br />
There was sand and hills and rings..."</i></div>
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~ America (1971)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5snuI-X38Ictc9icuzUP_WAPL9BiCe6mg4ek3EfDZ5THfLN5YPi92HhWmasTX5qzs8ecjanHJQ8oLCbr1xdjKl-SFHCber-FgCTMOVFPnXK23zHJxuYLKd7_LUC9MMGgTAAhquRsFz2M-/s1600/Stone+Creek+Falls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5snuI-X38Ictc9icuzUP_WAPL9BiCe6mg4ek3EfDZ5THfLN5YPi92HhWmasTX5qzs8ecjanHJQ8oLCbr1xdjKl-SFHCber-FgCTMOVFPnXK23zHJxuYLKd7_LUC9MMGgTAAhquRsFz2M-/s1600/Stone+Creek+Falls3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A Mirage</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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With a water temperature of 46-50 degrees, the Colorado river is perfect for keeping beer chilled; less than perfect for bathing. Yes, the daytime is hot and dry, and a dunk in the river will cool you off quickly - but bathing is a whole nother animal.</div>
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Enter the side creeks and streams! While environmentally friendly soaps and shampoos are o.k. for the "frozen" Colorado, these items are prohibited in the side streams where the water temperatures are much warmer. No matter, as the warm waters provided a wonderful reprieve from the heat and dirt and sweat of the day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water! Wonderful, clean water!</td></tr>
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Stone Creek Falls was a stop for lunch. "Go up and see the falls", said our river boat Captain. "Get wet, you'll enjoy it." A short hike it was, but what a great destination after 4 days of cold river water!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVySpcpy0Ff__6x59UpmHrk9TaqhJ06nzd5H9HJaWPunlIcDI-RtvLAOOtQUsQYCeN1vOQ75FlI2Vd9C1xZhvYmKmEbuDCuvwYrL2doYc15-b-yMAR3Hx6DjfSSxNjHtwGFp7VOh6Luvmt/s1600/Stone+Creek+Falls4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVySpcpy0Ff__6x59UpmHrk9TaqhJ06nzd5H9HJaWPunlIcDI-RtvLAOOtQUsQYCeN1vOQ75FlI2Vd9C1xZhvYmKmEbuDCuvwYrL2doYc15-b-yMAR3Hx6DjfSSxNjHtwGFp7VOh6Luvmt/s1600/Stone+Creek+Falls4.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone Creek Falls</td></tr>
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Later that day, we landed our raft at Deer Creek Falls, with a hike up to Deer Creek Patio. It was hot, and dry, and dusty climb - but the scenery, views, and clear, clean water made for an excellent hike.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw9t4oZCWxRd6_w0kHgDsknehn-bdy8W1jfdiPLs-LUWj9JVZGwI9SlyFWI_DCmey58sx8Uxz3GhdiCBkMF0mW5OeGj6u5ynEctjPOIwrwPU4-gajrdRps9lR9Qql3n1q1xSHNu4ylXWZ/s1600/Deer+Creek+Falls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw9t4oZCWxRd6_w0kHgDsknehn-bdy8W1jfdiPLs-LUWj9JVZGwI9SlyFWI_DCmey58sx8Uxz3GhdiCBkMF0mW5OeGj6u5ynEctjPOIwrwPU4-gajrdRps9lR9Qql3n1q1xSHNu4ylXWZ/s1600/Deer+Creek+Falls1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Creek Falls</td></tr>
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The hike up and into the canyon - with cactus and canyon the predominate views.</div>
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We moved into the slot canyon, with elaborate rock formations, the stream cutting its way through, and narrow paths with deadly drops below for those without sure footing.</div>
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We reached the "patio", with its cool stream and a great place to play and cool off!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q0VYRUIeqLiXu4A_3HUqrOnZvhe79ky1VyHMcrV5RpbN8nVnX8a4NK1F2XiiBDTDtyIlebPCsVMHn8-42cbl10z-WWEUo8oIQYwx5dm5SXWo_Vh_HC2ziixjBkEgFwo2mE6lXW1N8e2l/s1600/Deer+Creek+Patio+Hike87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q0VYRUIeqLiXu4A_3HUqrOnZvhe79ky1VyHMcrV5RpbN8nVnX8a4NK1F2XiiBDTDtyIlebPCsVMHn8-42cbl10z-WWEUo8oIQYwx5dm5SXWo_Vh_HC2ziixjBkEgFwo2mE6lXW1N8e2l/s1600/Deer+Creek+Patio+Hike87.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Creek Patio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Creek Patio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Creek fun - at the Patio</td></tr>
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After some time to enjoy the area, we worked our way back to the base of the falls. At the bottom, one stays cool any and every way that you can - as Steve can attest. After swimming in the pool at the base of the falls, he found the perfect cooling off place!</div>
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It was a great day. We made camp later that day at Poncho's Kitchen. RM 137. The first big-horned sheep showed up across the river as we recalled the day. We were under the stars again that night. What would tomorrow bring...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp site - Poncho's Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRUx5B2yZ_lK4DzE_ywdg4Pl8UfqN_kSz_ZUsELSqq9qVny03omqGiTXACMMc3kudTer9nCUSk3SO5FyG8aVfjnVEdYUwj30pSztqH2iUVxgY9bKeqjalCXTX97SCL6nY01Fy4bzqj_6C/s1600/Camp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRUx5B2yZ_lK4DzE_ywdg4Pl8UfqN_kSz_ZUsELSqq9qVny03omqGiTXACMMc3kudTer9nCUSk3SO5FyG8aVfjnVEdYUwj30pSztqH2iUVxgY9bKeqjalCXTX97SCL6nY01Fy4bzqj_6C/s1600/Camp7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poncho's Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the river - big horned sheep</td></tr>
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Keep hiking, friends!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-29652739802239852542014-09-16T16:44:00.001-07:002014-09-16T16:46:31.482-07:00#35 - Bright Angel Trail - GCNP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Angel Trail from the Rivers Edge</td></tr>
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Bottoms up! While many are inclined to hike all, or a portion of, Bright Angel Trail from the top down (access at the South Rim), our opportunity was from the bottom up! We were at day 4 of our raft trip, so this stop was intended for those departing the raft to hike the 10 miles out - and those joining the raft to hike the 10 miles in!<br />
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While this transition took place, part of our group enjoyed a hike along portions of the Bright Angel, River, and South Kaibab Trails; exploring the river area and Phantom Ranch. My brother and I took off with the group that was hiking out, hiking 4 miles along the river, streams, and up Bright Angel Trail, meeting with the new group coming in, and hiking the 4 miles back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PTy3VQ-e1CyCQf74Bxfs0WA1IYb6FpBhSgjAc6xy6LZVs9U0yjYlPfCXUUtj08XwXxoGil-2NDnMnz09I9paWcWsWUZscXCaoO3oSXpBbuYwjt0LmZTCIzIOAhpr_Ee08lSdgecyBRDn/s1600/Beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PTy3VQ-e1CyCQf74Bxfs0WA1IYb6FpBhSgjAc6xy6LZVs9U0yjYlPfCXUUtj08XwXxoGil-2NDnMnz09I9paWcWsWUZscXCaoO3oSXpBbuYwjt0LmZTCIzIOAhpr_Ee08lSdgecyBRDn/s1600/Beach1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Landing at Black Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_nz0tyqm9dmZkY_t15kn8VXYnRETiC7ScHNENp6AONhEMRqCbNpfAKk695_jci2LS9ngOq9nOfawn5qFWEROqKj_Jp17R4i1fYCkS-zmDpQKJuWbl4hGjLuU_SdOC87UaOp7H7FYd3zp/s1600/Black+Bridge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_nz0tyqm9dmZkY_t15kn8VXYnRETiC7ScHNENp6AONhEMRqCbNpfAKk695_jci2LS9ngOq9nOfawn5qFWEROqKj_Jp17R4i1fYCkS-zmDpQKJuWbl4hGjLuU_SdOC87UaOp7H7FYd3zp/s1600/Black+Bridge1.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bridge - looking toward the river landing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Bridge - our crossing for Bright Angel Trail</td></tr>
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We started off at the two bridge crossings that allow for North Rim to South Rim travel. Black Bridge ties to the South Kaibab trail, whereas Silver Bridge is part of Bright Angel. These are the only river crossings for hundreds of miles.<br />
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Tom and I shoved off, not certain what we were in store for. However, for the first mile or so, the trail hugged the river and made for some beautiful views - and cooler temps as we had got an early start.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start - Bright Angel Trail</td></tr>
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We cut away from the river to begin our ascent. There were a couple of streams nearby which allowed for a cool down as necessary.<br />
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We then hit the area of switchbacks, which provided for a good workout and some nice views! At this point, we were still unsure how far we would go before we met the group coming down. We expected a minimum of 5 miles.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four day raft group hiking out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point where we had accounted for all of new rafters coming in</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW7d0iobSM8r7XgAGN0dKXRTkUow27gCY2cxH6gVy9DkHG1zl0BBqj-rBZxpsFlCzEbT7JxB5plkV1yZ594lDa9GYABlgh51XJO7rnFRSXjS8KC3uFlU2cufu-b5vihYsLzsd7jzTDEoA/s1600/Bright+Angel+Trail7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW7d0iobSM8r7XgAGN0dKXRTkUow27gCY2cxH6gVy9DkHG1zl0BBqj-rBZxpsFlCzEbT7JxB5plkV1yZ594lDa9GYABlgh51XJO7rnFRSXjS8KC3uFlU2cufu-b5vihYsLzsd7jzTDEoA/s1600/Bright+Angel+Trail7.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 miles out - turn around point!</td></tr>
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We made our way back down to join the others. A cold beer, our group together, and now some new friends on the raft. Let the journey continue!</div>
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<span class="sqq">“We
have an unknown distance yet to run, an unknown river to explore. What
falls there are, we know not; what rocks beset the channel, we know not;
what walls ride over the river, we know not. Ah, well! we may
conjecture many things.”</span> </div>
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~ John Wesley Powell - <span class="st">Led the first expedition through the Grand Canyon</span></td></tr>
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We made camp at RM110. While tents went up, we slept under the stars
each night. The rushing river and shooting stars made for a great nights
sleep. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-8912466229377707852014-09-13T06:56:00.000-07:002014-09-13T07:46:04.005-07:00#34 - The Granaries at Nankoweap - Marble Canyon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S_OfmCzvwIykKUY8M2pZhtjDSqTYcu57mNdLqCF-TO8Z8HRX6zK8uGltUTT6JhUlyjy3UkawQRnZpLWQvJSBzOktLQxwHhEqkbNSTFDWgsGGUCsR-ZP0zd9N8hIp2oNij8pEQpAqh7zw/s1600/grand-canyon-quarter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S_OfmCzvwIykKUY8M2pZhtjDSqTYcu57mNdLqCF-TO8Z8HRX6zK8uGltUTT6JhUlyjy3UkawQRnZpLWQvJSBzOktLQxwHhEqkbNSTFDWgsGGUCsR-ZP0zd9N8hIp2oNij8pEQpAqh7zw/s1600/grand-canyon-quarter2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona's "America the Beautiful" Quarter - The Granaries at Nankoweap</td></tr>
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There are many side canyons and deltas that make up - and lead to - the Grand Canyon. Marble Canyon represented the beginning of our river adventure, beginning at Lee's Ferry (River Mile 0) and transitioning to the Grand Canyon at RM62. It is a beautiful area, where the Colorado river ran clear, where we experienced our only rain of the monsoon season, and where we were able to get ashore on a few occasions for fun and some cool hikes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Canyon (RM32 South Canyon)</td></tr>
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We stopped at South Canyon for a short hike to see Indian artifacts that remain in the area. Pottery shards and various drawings were seen here and it made for an interesting stop.<br />
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Further downstream, we came upon Redwall Cavern, with its sandy beach. This large, cavernous area was a perfect place to explore, throw a frisbee, and gaze at this mass of red rock which made up the cavern walls and ceiling. The scale of this place was huge! <br />
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It was at our last stop, Nankoweap, and our campground for the night, that I enjoyed most this day. The whole area was beautiful. Many cactus and colors - and the hike to the granaries made for spectacular views.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting this hike started!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The granaries were used by the ancient Anasazi Indians to
store seed and protect them from vermin and rot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four granaries in center of photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Arizona "America the Beautiful" quarter</td></tr>
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It was a great day. We had our only showers this day, and a booming thunderstorm at night. We started the night under the stars, when thunder rumbled through the canyon, echoing off the walls. It was the one time we used the tent - just until the storm passed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campground below</td></tr>
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The hiking was great. The Canyon, the exploration, the river, the wildlife, the rumbling thunder. But it would not have been half as fun without these people. This was just day 2 and we were having a blast!<br />
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Keep hiking, friends!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-76629163440738746522014-09-06T17:51:00.001-07:002014-09-06T17:52:19.224-07:00#33 - South Rim - Grand Canyon National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Glimpse</td></tr>
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I was never sure I would ever make it to the Grand Canyon. I mean, here I am 50 years old and I had not made it there yet. Then a friend called, and another, and soon we had a group signed up for an eight day, 225 mile Colorado river raft trip through the canyon. All of a sudden, I was quite excited to go see, and explore, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.</div>
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The stage was actually set the night before we arrived. After landing in Phoenix, we met my brother in Sedona, took a drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and with the sun setting, got one hike in to Cathedral Rock. A perfect way to kick it all off!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavMt8qRRCxxy2cAsC7emBTym9e5jrCZoO-dGio1qAYm9fqqGfcaTjpHn6R3OB_pHG71d655TDD4YuwpujaG7cbPaXa0PK3R4a4n7XJxWQGD54LGcRkF7-lhBS4xmhmV8n0hr8l8D0GYAW/s1600/P1010363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavMt8qRRCxxy2cAsC7emBTym9e5jrCZoO-dGio1qAYm9fqqGfcaTjpHn6R3OB_pHG71d655TDD4YuwpujaG7cbPaXa0PK3R4a4n7XJxWQGD54LGcRkF7-lhBS4xmhmV8n0hr8l8D0GYAW/s1600/P1010363.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset hike to Cathedral Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working our way up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset - Cathedral Rock</td></tr>
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We arrived at the Grand Canyon about midnight. A long day of travel made for a welcome bed. When we awoke, we stepped outside to get our bearings. Little did we know the canyon was literally 50 feet from our lodge!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm5cPgpGNw5risRlaYK3WnQuDV3waqDOyU1PjlJW_Eml2hbDAnuNtSkwNXLZA9s0XD0cZTiBP5N-FudHzRR9vPRS41tMWgi7pfl6ybtloUD9_7LSfwxAYt3vnryDLSgl9zn60O705LFAh/s1600/Arrived2!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm5cPgpGNw5risRlaYK3WnQuDV3waqDOyU1PjlJW_Eml2hbDAnuNtSkwNXLZA9s0XD0cZTiBP5N-FudHzRR9vPRS41tMWgi7pfl6ybtloUD9_7LSfwxAYt3vnryDLSgl9zn60O705LFAh/s1600/Arrived2!.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great way to wake up!</td></tr>
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Right off the bat, we saw wildlife. With coffee in hand, and in the first 20 minutes, we came across our first of many ravens, a mule-eared deer, and a California Condor!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDTmpCZcDNxnl5u7NDnT3fziO2ISMJqu_-RavUh7GKehlGWfWZdfzGoThh9W7rR9ugk2tRzLp-YZovGTiPHe7AF47uLDnVTRipEf-jnVHlms_B_jc_T-f3_McQJdTyl0svdRcEL06lJJc/s1600/Raven+at+Visitor+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDTmpCZcDNxnl5u7NDnT3fziO2ISMJqu_-RavUh7GKehlGWfWZdfzGoThh9W7rR9ugk2tRzLp-YZovGTiPHe7AF47uLDnVTRipEf-jnVHlms_B_jc_T-f3_McQJdTyl0svdRcEL06lJJc/s1600/Raven+at+Visitor+Center.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many ravens throughout the canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LahUs0RRy3d9hfoI9mCjHI82YH72scZDSmLTvclI0YVdsKKJpu1w_rvxNqnGY-tnZyQS0plFAjQXWpCUxSURy8CyBrpOgMMirCvhK6KEJlyOTfriU94lYPCiyriCkhWW5ImlWQVwDlSD/s1600/Mule+Deer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LahUs0RRy3d9hfoI9mCjHI82YH72scZDSmLTvclI0YVdsKKJpu1w_rvxNqnGY-tnZyQS0plFAjQXWpCUxSURy8CyBrpOgMMirCvhK6KEJlyOTfriU94lYPCiyriCkhWW5ImlWQVwDlSD/s1600/Mule+Deer2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule-Eared Deer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Gj4R44HpkIGWSKAlGODmjdABbyoBm-jZtQjA78RUfb534I8rHBfEjaAM63LZQ1Dn8708z2Nw8Ko1QmzgmXSo_0_GOUny2FDVvyVEX1vp4jJm4IaOYFkp47aV9auI-jaEnGF7GHHN_hrx/s1600/California+Condor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Gj4R44HpkIGWSKAlGODmjdABbyoBm-jZtQjA78RUfb534I8rHBfEjaAM63LZQ1Dn8708z2Nw8Ko1QmzgmXSo_0_GOUny2FDVvyVEX1vp4jJm4IaOYFkp47aV9auI-jaEnGF7GHHN_hrx/s1600/California+Condor.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two California Condors we saw</td></tr>
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But hiking and exploring is what we came to do, and we took a shuttle 8 miles out to the end of Hermits Rest. This allowed us to hike back to the Village, and it turned out to be a great choice. We had a bright, beautiful day, and as we started at the far end, the crowds were low. In many areas, we had the views to ourselves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting started at Hermits Rest</td></tr>
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As we hiked along the canyon's rim, we came upon view after stunning view. Pima Point, Monument Creek, The Abyss, Mohave, Hopi and Powell points were all beautiful. With glimpses of the Colorado river, it showed just how expansive the canyon really is.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgwKUpnaZIUbVo2SU3lTW1D1mBZAAe2O2s1PPOLyO4TJ_GJZNq9Nn4qyC_KaM83bSW11Z8eRntghgLZxGUcuGzeELquEOjP4DnuRjkzlGkIfSVfCpOcPWMBNELCBiGuUnr2Kql7vgViN2/s1600/Colorado+River1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgwKUpnaZIUbVo2SU3lTW1D1mBZAAe2O2s1PPOLyO4TJ_GJZNq9Nn4qyC_KaM83bSW11Z8eRntghgLZxGUcuGzeELquEOjP4DnuRjkzlGkIfSVfCpOcPWMBNELCBiGuUnr2Kql7vgViN2/s1600/Colorado+River1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of the Colorado River</td></tr>
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Trail conditions were great. In most cases, you hugged the rim of the canyon, however, the trail would wind inwards offering differing views. It was warm, and plenty of water was required. A breeze whipped through the canyon, and a cool draft from time to time reminded you of being at an elevation of 7000 feet.</div>
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We enjoyed a six mile hike this first day. Each view, each turn was like a picture book. You could not help but stop and stare - and go back to the rim to look again!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZHY65nQFgeuvsHmt0KLmS8o1qn8PV3Gq3rOToOLwqZb4lpzQLQ_3C2yxKVvLdsycMiG74m_Pwh3vmUVOHDGXFCnTMGvHllsMdBE8tx40djQPwr5_aery4ujrHXYy_pCeEo9Avc5EGH0Q/s1600/GC+Rim+Trail5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZHY65nQFgeuvsHmt0KLmS8o1qn8PV3Gq3rOToOLwqZb4lpzQLQ_3C2yxKVvLdsycMiG74m_Pwh3vmUVOHDGXFCnTMGvHllsMdBE8tx40djQPwr5_aery4ujrHXYy_pCeEo9Avc5EGH0Q/s1600/GC+Rim+Trail5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water break</td></tr>
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We wound the day down. Decided to catch the sunset at Yaki Point. We could not believe the first day we had just had.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJyLdOceKmU0S75RDCsIgNBsTH3_eI9cs7NoqJlnQXS5RsYEd-fhtFiRWcE2yzVQ81D_3u9MKD5dbqW5WnZLTnqP16Xx-LlAErxL5j_iAQ0GI-O-1rG1msGOIbyHH2L98jwh36pSpXqy/s1600/Bull+Elk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJyLdOceKmU0S75RDCsIgNBsTH3_eI9cs7NoqJlnQXS5RsYEd-fhtFiRWcE2yzVQ81D_3u9MKD5dbqW5WnZLTnqP16Xx-LlAErxL5j_iAQ0GI-O-1rG1msGOIbyHH2L98jwh36pSpXqy/s1600/Bull+Elk.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Elk on the way to Yaki Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaReOof0dJw0j_81WcOmKbp0nnA7nHIN2wF2-awj9pSwk9BRbwNlaATiXyBbBxuKU62JsQjBn8vZRXyF3hEkpA9NKy1pZeEoKt41TMql20Cq1y1WjuOPLPqJW9b44Kz-4Llw_-eGR7zxrK/s1600/Sunset1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaReOof0dJw0j_81WcOmKbp0nnA7nHIN2wF2-awj9pSwk9BRbwNlaATiXyBbBxuKU62JsQjBn8vZRXyF3hEkpA9NKy1pZeEoKt41TMql20Cq1y1WjuOPLPqJW9b44Kz-4Llw_-eGR7zxrK/s1600/Sunset1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors change in front of you...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8n4i3T7hvUBqUpvFO9yrGts_ShPMH2YR-HArCPkf0JFyfMACKt85OsMKK5AmWAbGSEq2aUqpRgmVE3e_mqqrLZnvvIH2DJADprMYJ8c0naR62o39y-owBiyk7b-z3FGEueXiD4_CDsgY/s1600/Sunset3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8n4i3T7hvUBqUpvFO9yrGts_ShPMH2YR-HArCPkf0JFyfMACKt85OsMKK5AmWAbGSEq2aUqpRgmVE3e_mqqrLZnvvIH2DJADprMYJ8c0naR62o39y-owBiyk7b-z3FGEueXiD4_CDsgY/s1600/Sunset3.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reds become deeper...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E6FfSuB2JtBLAltt1783NN8N4rm2PSYsTcyRzi_yzmK9HBnUHSDyoXMS0smq8b70pm2Zg8iHzxcNB_Y-awtENfTxqrm1k5uCIdjFOGigKzhRciNUmCoApavHMQpZU9V-fqqRa9dfbs7f/s1600/1623598_10204742381190105_5977620566081437340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E6FfSuB2JtBLAltt1783NN8N4rm2PSYsTcyRzi_yzmK9HBnUHSDyoXMS0smq8b70pm2Zg8iHzxcNB_Y-awtENfTxqrm1k5uCIdjFOGigKzhRciNUmCoApavHMQpZU9V-fqqRa9dfbs7f/s1600/1623598_10204742381190105_5977620566081437340_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just beautiful.</td></tr>
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Keep Hiking, Friends.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-35145535977836000182014-08-19T19:17:00.001-07:002014-08-19T19:17:37.867-07:00#32 - SNP Three Falls Hike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YBxy0cbvPsZ47dBGeRVDD2Usw_fxTbNrpxp2KU8GmxVYEusGvi3iLUyuEfK-qfmgdCY_lZHGRvz79Eq9yYLw0bFw2J_9xEmVjaZy0OKRwa06_TceyJDxYxHngU2ZDHiBGz0_Uk7VKUKH/s1600/SNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YBxy0cbvPsZ47dBGeRVDD2Usw_fxTbNrpxp2KU8GmxVYEusGvi3iLUyuEfK-qfmgdCY_lZHGRvz79Eq9yYLw0bFw2J_9xEmVjaZy0OKRwa06_TceyJDxYxHngU2ZDHiBGz0_Uk7VKUKH/s1600/SNP.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Having Monday off and wanting to get a good workout in, I headed to Shenandoah National Park to hike the 9.3 mile Three Falls Hike. I had seen this hike highlighted on the Sierra Club Potomac Region's site and penciled it in as one to do soon. Knowing the park would be less crowded on a Monday, it seemed the perfect day to go.<br />
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Located in the Big Meadows section of the park, this beautiful hike will offer everything you want from hills, views, streams, wildlife - and waterfalls. Three of the nicer falls in the park - Dark Hallow, Rose River, and Lewis Falls.<br />
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I was very happy my oldest daughter wanted to go with me, as we have a similar pace and it makes for a really enjoyable time. We parked at the Visitor Center, checked in with the Ranger on bear activity, weather forecast, and to verify our route and distance, then started off on the first leg toward Dark Hollow Falls.<br />
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We found out very quickly that not all of the deer were intimidated by humans, as we walked upon one just as we started off. With temperatures a bit cooler, 64 degrees when we started, we expected animals in the area to be active.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMRFYK-GQ0Lg60ce5x87kE1pH5F_Wf4T6Vd4u3p0g5Z4tWThk3532tJL5fiWZ2MGMOyeewuQ_zVig_W1X4i72g3VZnYR7F-IX6h5_aG_zToypPrXZEFkGGid5QY2-L5gK4gjSgRJF_s5l/s1600/Deer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMRFYK-GQ0Lg60ce5x87kE1pH5F_Wf4T6Vd4u3p0g5Z4tWThk3532tJL5fiWZ2MGMOyeewuQ_zVig_W1X4i72g3VZnYR7F-IX6h5_aG_zToypPrXZEFkGGid5QY2-L5gK4gjSgRJF_s5l/s1600/Deer1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer on the way to Dark Hollow Falls</td></tr>
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The path to Dark Hollow Falls was in good shape we followed the creek, surprised of the brown trout we saw in its pools.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5XxavkwifkaMXORSXpZEkATThawKiPxEemMi7YONzCX0JmMDfE3B2X9uDAejeLmSRHNmFcI9Y0y6tx6q1psc12buapH50aY7nxf0g7VDszWvLX8VPD1_RTfbHC23mfeXaH1nmk_kfkKW/s1600/To+Dark+Hallows1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5XxavkwifkaMXORSXpZEkATThawKiPxEemMi7YONzCX0JmMDfE3B2X9uDAejeLmSRHNmFcI9Y0y6tx6q1psc12buapH50aY7nxf0g7VDszWvLX8VPD1_RTfbHC23mfeXaH1nmk_kfkKW/s1600/To+Dark+Hallows1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the pools along Dark Hallow Falls trail where we saw trout</td></tr>
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We worked our way down until we reached the Falls - a beautiful sight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmWX9cKW73ZnBbKLt4oY5thmL0ca0MAMG41JXyHqEP7N4INXWERbsoMU7t_TSt9eZTunaNsU5_N-fgIlb_QDdOMaYJa2ZpQe_bvqcFU145KJHR4HH-tbke_bs_mcwhY0rShTun7Pj-6-3/s1600/Dark+Hollow+Falls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmWX9cKW73ZnBbKLt4oY5thmL0ca0MAMG41JXyHqEP7N4INXWERbsoMU7t_TSt9eZTunaNsU5_N-fgIlb_QDdOMaYJa2ZpQe_bvqcFU145KJHR4HH-tbke_bs_mcwhY0rShTun7Pj-6-3/s1600/Dark+Hollow+Falls2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We stopped for a water break, then headed onward toward Rose River Falls. It was a beautiful path, with the creek nearby and nice rock formations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1Y5roVQAgJEOcKgi43Lx4KFNKhlMqbvHpjmgtIYKzsGuGKPvXnDAER8MSweNW90zcwbyMmJkogmPoQT59f6iop6NLnGcgNM6g_dADv9zGX0cK-Tz0V7Du3FVrpqQKfmMCZWPYbycL8U5/s1600/Beyond+Dark+Hollow+Falls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1Y5roVQAgJEOcKgi43Lx4KFNKhlMqbvHpjmgtIYKzsGuGKPvXnDAER8MSweNW90zcwbyMmJkogmPoQT59f6iop6NLnGcgNM6g_dADv9zGX0cK-Tz0V7Du3FVrpqQKfmMCZWPYbycL8U5/s1600/Beyond+Dark+Hollow+Falls1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW9PINB3ggvvvsKE_bzT76K4CyN7oz1IxAo6c2jAk07GpDBdwCzHmnsWIUsgh9_eOXuYwEhlaaNcAUbAXZ7rVdBTEyUw3kTT0pc0Fc8WNSqx__86beFbx_nAvW6ghyphenhyphenQgnqQ5vZ5KPK_I4/s1600/Trail+to+Rose+River+Falls5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW9PINB3ggvvvsKE_bzT76K4CyN7oz1IxAo6c2jAk07GpDBdwCzHmnsWIUsgh9_eOXuYwEhlaaNcAUbAXZ7rVdBTEyUw3kTT0pc0Fc8WNSqx__86beFbx_nAvW6ghyphenhyphenQgnqQ5vZ5KPK_I4/s1600/Trail+to+Rose+River+Falls5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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To this point, our hike had been all down hill (the first 2 miles or so.) That would change, as we rounded a corner and started working our way up to Rose River Falls. The path from here became more challenging for the remainder of the hike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KMmz_URlCyr5ZWaE_F3tJhAbwdp8LDxwrdno7CC61534pnpuxFZhu1mXLaOs_tnuUfGxO2c684ToTxfEmkyTmiUwwEfI-cGPswIIa18nHN2reP854aPEoGsczBHkjkTE7B-Yj7SzKPkv/s1600/Trail+to+Rose+River+Falls6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KMmz_URlCyr5ZWaE_F3tJhAbwdp8LDxwrdno7CC61534pnpuxFZhu1mXLaOs_tnuUfGxO2c684ToTxfEmkyTmiUwwEfI-cGPswIIa18nHN2reP854aPEoGsczBHkjkTE7B-Yj7SzKPkv/s1600/Trail+to+Rose+River+Falls6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF53Z4Gjh2JCEp1eXbgAEtDG96RE22ZlEKriiPZSPH5FvJDogtu1RXdZmylQK-r_hzZLTeywLEAuUPnq_eVxQ3cehCdUtnSB-ip4r2HUmOUy7K3dUsoSXW5Gm_TZKixzxFN1nM0YUZBeBQ/s1600/P1010254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF53Z4Gjh2JCEp1eXbgAEtDG96RE22ZlEKriiPZSPH5FvJDogtu1RXdZmylQK-r_hzZLTeywLEAuUPnq_eVxQ3cehCdUtnSB-ip4r2HUmOUy7K3dUsoSXW5Gm_TZKixzxFN1nM0YUZBeBQ/s1600/P1010254.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hike up to Rose River Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgJqWCc035kITvDVrUFCOl_npiqFXaeal9WpLj0qQUVcOgfQp69uVA1tu7Vkkz-xZ6iNbVapwLxpeci7HGK2vu-12yVh1jz3DHAVYVyRg66Mv8iwpR41vXugKRrOR8S2Q3PiKIrhQH0wC/s1600/Rose+River+Falls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgJqWCc035kITvDVrUFCOl_npiqFXaeal9WpLj0qQUVcOgfQp69uVA1tu7Vkkz-xZ6iNbVapwLxpeci7HGK2vu-12yVh1jz3DHAVYVyRg66Mv8iwpR41vXugKRrOR8S2Q3PiKIrhQH0wC/s1600/Rose+River+Falls1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From high atop. Does not accurately reflect the 67" drop and deep pool at the bottom</td></tr>
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The hike to this point was beautiful, and really beginning to turn fun. Uphill we went for a considerable distance, as we headed to Fishers Gap and the Appalachian Trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCf4F1s6HG8jUv_udgnfswxHUR8DqjM61Ivtk5u-3fPL9ae0H873UKV0u_Yt5kLUlfL7k9nlMnsYem-nz430Ml9aupsVuYkT6UiCGrW9ZR9VJBlGSq2tXp0b1bq2BXiYz5BBrF0K2Gzfy/s1600/AT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCf4F1s6HG8jUv_udgnfswxHUR8DqjM61Ivtk5u-3fPL9ae0H873UKV0u_Yt5kLUlfL7k9nlMnsYem-nz430Ml9aupsVuYkT6UiCGrW9ZR9VJBlGSq2tXp0b1bq2BXiYz5BBrF0K2Gzfy/s1600/AT1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Appalachian Trail - the classic foot path.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overlook from the AT</td></tr>
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The Appalachian Trail portion of the hike was beautiful. Forest, overlooks, rock formations. Classic, rugged beauty. We followed the AT until we reached the trail head for Lewis Falls.<br />
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Lewis Falls Trail was rugged. Jagged rocks, twisting and turning. As we were at roughly the 7 mile mark, you could start to feel this trail work on your tired muscles. This trail seemed less traveled, and the two snakes we saw on trail attested to this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMrMSBmRPUNCbmYu5NLRvxKddp4gJLpVotGWtypyfn018gmdl71lQhRELiFBbJA7ngPNSc736N-54kdaFyuzj6oIzHKj_zfJ_vJqQAw3iN1nGJCk-2pcV4DoJ-XMEMY3Wi0Tr-kwTBoTa/s1600/Lewis+Falls+Trail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMrMSBmRPUNCbmYu5NLRvxKddp4gJLpVotGWtypyfn018gmdl71lQhRELiFBbJA7ngPNSc736N-54kdaFyuzj6oIzHKj_zfJ_vJqQAw3iN1nGJCk-2pcV4DoJ-XMEMY3Wi0Tr-kwTBoTa/s1600/Lewis+Falls+Trail1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of Lewis Falls Trail, though not the most rugged</td></tr>
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We finally made it down to the area of the Falls. This did not have a natural viewing area to see the Falls as a whole, but at 81 feet, it was the longest falls of the three. Winter would be rough, but likely provide the clearest view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obstructed view of Lewis Falls. Very remote and more difficult to get to.</td></tr>
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We headed out. 1.5 miles up, back toward where we had parked. Over 9 miles hiked, a beautiful 5 hours on a difficult hike. It's a do-over if you want a workout - and you'll see a number of beautiful sights along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ2SXhjOG_NnDVrK5bzAVJMGA0x_Xs5PtwTQouDOHH1sXO6njjhKb8ISt5hmwqReCu3KPleZLSYBRZfAs-mbChs1TzJhaJBVxS09hhA1glaiAUtn5p5JXla4xH4cF1DcyqeU6uR6nTb0k/s1600/Lewis+Falls+Trail5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ2SXhjOG_NnDVrK5bzAVJMGA0x_Xs5PtwTQouDOHH1sXO6njjhKb8ISt5hmwqReCu3KPleZLSYBRZfAs-mbChs1TzJhaJBVxS09hhA1glaiAUtn5p5JXla4xH4cF1DcyqeU6uR6nTb0k/s1600/Lewis+Falls+Trail5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Overlook - Last leg 1.5 miles to finish</td></tr>
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If you want a great 1/2 day hike, SNP Three Falls Hike is a winner!<br />
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Happy Trails!<br />
<br />
Mike</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-13161461800845020032014-08-10T06:06:00.002-07:002014-08-10T06:06:42.519-07:00#31 - Prince William Forest Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I enjoy having Prince William Forest Park nearby, as it offers everything one could want in a great hike. There are paths as long as you want to go, hills that help ensure you get a good workout in, and gently flowing creeks providing rock structures and a beautiful backdrop to the largest Piedmont Forest in the National Park Service. The footpaths are long and narrow, taking you back to the days of the Algonquian Indians that roamed along this same creek.<br />
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Wanting to get 5+ miles in, and realizing I had not got Riley out for a hike in awhile, we grabbed our gear and some water and headed out to a section of the South Valley Trail we had yet to hike, between the waterfalls of the South Fork and the lake formed by the Civilian Conservation Corps dam.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Crossing</td></tr>
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Riley enjoys hiking along the creek and while I need to find a place to cross, she happily plummets in, chasing waterbugs, swimming and splashing along. The sound of the creek is a reminder to keep moving, and even as you bend away from it here and there, it is always nearby and you always come back to its rock structures, rapids and pools.<br />
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What I really like about this trail is how it remains just a foot path, tucking into the forest, providing opportunities to take a break creekside, and the coolness of the shade as you work your way along.<br />
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Of course, Riley has a blast and takes off like a bandit first thing, expending 90% of her energy in the first quarter mile. She eventually settles in to a more constant pace, picking up scents of dear, chasing butterflies, birds and reflections on the water. <br />
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<br />Alas, we make it to the dam and the lake beyond. We take a break on the rocks, listening to the waterfall, watching the shadows get longer in the late afternoon sun. Riley knows the way back from here, so as I get up to put my camelbak on, she is already on the move, plopping in the water to chase a waterbug, running over rocks to get back to the trail, chasing the scent of some animal of the forest; burning up 90% of her energy in the first quarter mile.<br />
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Hike on, friends!<br />
<br />
Mike</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-57116727850843790452014-08-09T17:21:00.000-07:002014-08-09T17:21:19.700-07:00#30 - Diamond Head<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Head</td></tr>
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Le'ahi, or Diamond Head, is one of the most recognized landmarks on the Hawaii Islands. Sitting at the end of Waikiki, Le'ahi was formed 300,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, getting its "Diamond Head" name from the calcite crystals on the slopes of its crater.<br />
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I arrived for a short stay mid-afternoon, and with little time to get a hike in, chose a route from the hotel, along Waikiki, to the Diamond Head summit - a 9 mile out and back. My challenge was time, as the park closed at 6:00, with the last hikers allowed in at 4:30.<br />
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The area around Waikiki is alive with activity and beauty. This is "Duke" country. Duke Kahanamoku, Gold Medalist Olympian, is revered in Hawaii, and his story is a good one. Swimmer, surfer, life-saver - Duke is a modern day hero.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out along Waikiki toward Diamond Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke Kahanamoku</td></tr>
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There are a number of statues along the way paying homage to Hawaiian culture and it's interesting to read the stories and learn the history behind them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makua and Kila - A children's story honoring Hawaiian values of family and the ocean</td></tr>
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Once through the resort area, there are still a few miles to go before Diamond Head. While there is a beautiful view of Diamond Head from the resort area, the access road is on the back side of the crater, adding time and miles to to the hike.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Diamond Head Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the Crater Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFO2OCZdjzfV1lWKUNkLdtFHAdkSTseoWsLjqzlHnLFEWNNy-W6-K9at3uIySP-5jt-muYyfbPP5stW7ebXC4Mq6JtoVRERLFGWB8rxBwHFC7bLGj1s4szNQR0Y4zbLJRuqlhj9s4SnuA/s1600/Diamond+Head6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFO2OCZdjzfV1lWKUNkLdtFHAdkSTseoWsLjqzlHnLFEWNNy-W6-K9at3uIySP-5jt-muYyfbPP5stW7ebXC4Mq6JtoVRERLFGWB8rxBwHFC7bLGj1s4szNQR0Y4zbLJRuqlhj9s4SnuA/s1600/Diamond+Head6.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Head - the Far Crater Wall</td></tr>
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At this stage, it has been 3.5 miles to get to the trail head. Now, a .8 mile climb to the summit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-hsMOsoIyWs90y2gt3BQsv1avWPnFMs2iAQfPH1CHJ5zlzjkNS9R_3vUbWpzvR2yaIQsqR2r85kLZkJxoB99nxVVtOAr5nvXM2s5wmOsUwK_pMO2W6HK3EHjSeB7WcqtgdG5q3ZfFaNp/s1600/Diamond+Head7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-hsMOsoIyWs90y2gt3BQsv1avWPnFMs2iAQfPH1CHJ5zlzjkNS9R_3vUbWpzvR2yaIQsqR2r85kLZkJxoB99nxVVtOAr5nvXM2s5wmOsUwK_pMO2W6HK3EHjSeB7WcqtgdG5q3ZfFaNp/s1600/Diamond+Head7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Begin ascent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-sGfvCgDiQyT1a5nYQrj2oK0JNJ6LRo3-VZiwQGSow_Pnk6wEnPgXGPgvlom8d9CqLhItwzC73fMP5fau-IPFQeBig0icXYCUPVQUFpWHP1BnSG3gDoAl1BzZH1X8EFfBJ7U-4wLgDvk/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-sGfvCgDiQyT1a5nYQrj2oK0JNJ6LRo3-VZiwQGSow_Pnk6wEnPgXGPgvlom8d9CqLhItwzC73fMP5fau-IPFQeBig0icXYCUPVQUFpWHP1BnSG3gDoAl1BzZH1X8EFfBJ7U-4wLgDvk/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial stage of trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_c-M1mTnEig3qqc3hXXZWF1dk1JgDw4Jbc7EModDW0PUrS4CuMzW7ljfTvdMXo0B1qc9eTDL5XCSFYXNCvFOm4SQqyCyru3AujiZFhV5YojPYyH8WKLN5-tlWX_kOdZhxg_S5Rd9Zy-y/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_c-M1mTnEig3qqc3hXXZWF1dk1JgDw4Jbc7EModDW0PUrS4CuMzW7ljfTvdMXo0B1qc9eTDL5XCSFYXNCvFOm4SQqyCyru3AujiZFhV5YojPYyH8WKLN5-tlWX_kOdZhxg_S5Rd9Zy-y/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working way up...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through final tunnel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHC6ql6LkaEgBT1GFEsbDIV-AT3_oJVpRc3VGG0KvpcJqrYCwuMQw3PzsbljU4oZxVNDVtlh9UJzVftIMwM2ngRzm_d0MvFFvYd7Td3z1QN0jObVL5KIMFwx85Ox6QLyitF6QzUmjql5O/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHC6ql6LkaEgBT1GFEsbDIV-AT3_oJVpRc3VGG0KvpcJqrYCwuMQw3PzsbljU4oZxVNDVtlh9UJzVftIMwM2ngRzm_d0MvFFvYd7Td3z1QN0jObVL5KIMFwx85Ox6QLyitF6QzUmjql5O/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up a long line of stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja397k01Eyq8y7XgJuXdoiVeVv74WNu4dsLjTvmgOst_rubCVUNVd3EWAcB1rNOQog5dT1w09lqmgwoA92ZFR_7xroPaJSsQiJyO2zcGmeewmohBvSM14CY7DbWj7TqRnzMp056ctCYlFS/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja397k01Eyq8y7XgJuXdoiVeVv74WNu4dsLjTvmgOst_rubCVUNVd3EWAcB1rNOQog5dT1w09lqmgwoA92ZFR_7xroPaJSsQiJyO2zcGmeewmohBvSM14CY7DbWj7TqRnzMp056ctCYlFS/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiral Ladder to Observation Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFt-_xiktWxS-9ByYPRgBDQq5PsXwFCGTH1aTDjb6UPHEGbc5eAm7hhNcjVPPczoNUl9NCBkID0YI-M_8PF5HyM3zlua0LG7f4oUlOLItvSM9DM7AJ0yesezBan8XkxcBwTRgUhYh9Oq_V/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFt-_xiktWxS-9ByYPRgBDQq5PsXwFCGTH1aTDjb6UPHEGbc5eAm7hhNcjVPPczoNUl9NCBkID0YI-M_8PF5HyM3zlua0LG7f4oUlOLItvSM9DM7AJ0yesezBan8XkxcBwTRgUhYh9Oq_V/s1600/Diamond+Head+Hike4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back on Entrance Tunnel (middle of photo)</td></tr>
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The distance and climbing made for a great workout. When I arrived at the summit, a stronger than normal breeze blew, and it felt good to cool off and enjoy the views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IcJkW9AAQVGgv3Pw0ytezrRIHrdxRSCO-KYMZLE1TEwIww8VCDg9aJxsfcF522VmaDkW6BgOJ0ytUq4lETKQGXRUkF-R121dhwk7N-6-DM_mz8UHvz6fa_sz65IsHzw8XVPv1IzNSzZg/s1600/Diamond+Head+Summit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IcJkW9AAQVGgv3Pw0ytezrRIHrdxRSCO-KYMZLE1TEwIww8VCDg9aJxsfcF522VmaDkW6BgOJ0ytUq4lETKQGXRUkF-R121dhwk7N-6-DM_mz8UHvz6fa_sz65IsHzw8XVPv1IzNSzZg/s1600/Diamond+Head+Summit3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waikiki from Diamond Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12VM_BsFgmRAWxxbKag1HBsqd8slo_hX4Z5VQBE0OAFbSjwjiSPNFDaZSV7zoIPmKvRWIM4EpQZFAlQIhVXR-SBSCNjBPTf4VKqn6IhyphenhyphenLc5uMtOykwUgigI_q-KCK1d6Vo4RhZDiZfRNX/s1600/Diamond+Head+Summit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12VM_BsFgmRAWxxbKag1HBsqd8slo_hX4Z5VQBE0OAFbSjwjiSPNFDaZSV7zoIPmKvRWIM4EpQZFAlQIhVXR-SBSCNjBPTf4VKqn6IhyphenhyphenLc5uMtOykwUgigI_q-KCK1d6Vo4RhZDiZfRNX/s1600/Diamond+Head+Summit1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Head Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing out a 24 hour day with a 9 mile hike!</td></tr>
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Afterward, it was time to hike the 4.5 miles back - just in time for sunset along the beach. People were ending the daytime portions of their day... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Volleyball Match</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last chance to walk on a strap tied between palm trees...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9bSBng6InokRgLIGLGqc4TiNGdXmzI30DMO8GpcFrc0iKzN-sDdCN5Kqd_rr-vLyMdGWmhYZMoHasnPbRNk7tgMTNBpnaweJIe-hwcHreRdvllzuYy-xO32_DIYQoqbOaxTe7JAKtGw_/s1600/Yoga1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9bSBng6InokRgLIGLGqc4TiNGdXmzI30DMO8GpcFrc0iKzN-sDdCN5Kqd_rr-vLyMdGWmhYZMoHasnPbRNk7tgMTNBpnaweJIe-hwcHreRdvllzuYy-xO32_DIYQoqbOaxTe7JAKtGw_/s1600/Yoga1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had I not hiked so far, I would have got my yoga in</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhxwWmkp1-rSQucf6618bX478XTO97erJT3ff04h2llTDKhTsaIsRsoFXsnaZsNt2ZaC7QNfX-a-qfBtSg3Dv0JjsfEDxd9_xyylJXK9h9nnUVpp9wgc2UU5SyYBgPoGZdavOk3JX2uqX/s1600/Yoga2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhxwWmkp1-rSQucf6618bX478XTO97erJT3ff04h2llTDKhTsaIsRsoFXsnaZsNt2ZaC7QNfX-a-qfBtSg3Dv0JjsfEDxd9_xyylJXK9h9nnUVpp9wgc2UU5SyYBgPoGZdavOk3JX2uqX/s1600/Yoga2.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O.K... Maybe not.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A final flight for the drone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surfers at Sunset</td></tr>
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While I had hoped to do more during this trip, I was glad to have a few hours to get such a great hike in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkbEkJvscSMVCn0nIpi_ZuiDZu1hQeswbUg-X33uw8zucpkbnz5Bk3IahdqHRVXG0x-Qbnbl7feCTFJCVEq2CDjuuYm7yczyA7NknbYa5Xd-ZkVlY91NPlGrGIsuGjFmrRkOiB6_WTJF0/s1600/Sunset2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkbEkJvscSMVCn0nIpi_ZuiDZu1hQeswbUg-X33uw8zucpkbnz5Bk3IahdqHRVXG0x-Qbnbl7feCTFJCVEq2CDjuuYm7yczyA7NknbYa5Xd-ZkVlY91NPlGrGIsuGjFmrRkOiB6_WTJF0/s1600/Sunset2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good hike, tired muscles, and finally a chance for sleep</td></tr>
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Keep hiking, friends!<br />
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Mike<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-92025194431782614612014-07-27T18:14:00.001-07:002014-07-27T19:02:11.950-07:00#29 - United States National Arboretum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Whenever I go on a hike, I like to make sure there will be something interesting to see, or beautiful surroundings. Hiking is a stress reliever and to be able to enjoy the surroundings, while getting a good workout in, is a big part of the motivation for me. Saturday's six mile hike at the United States National Arboretum provided the perfect backdrop to a hike of rolling hills. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_vAOzrOxTFIuu5eTYC6Gt-Jfp8U0wxi1hR84MzNqAuxxTkTi8-g01SVNvP4a84i7oIS5gYb7EPIPJWPX54eox-4LbDJnW_hLX0yXLm2WWNAzFaFCV8UlfdfTbvVPAxEUPMqIYQeZQamA/s1600/Scenery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_vAOzrOxTFIuu5eTYC6Gt-Jfp8U0wxi1hR84MzNqAuxxTkTi8-g01SVNvP4a84i7oIS5gYb7EPIPJWPX54eox-4LbDJnW_hLX0yXLm2WWNAzFaFCV8UlfdfTbvVPAxEUPMqIYQeZQamA/s1600/Scenery1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking through a portion of the Azalea collection</td></tr>
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The arboretum is 446 acres of research, beauty and recreational area, run by the US Department of Agriculture, and located within view of the US Capitol. It almost seems to be a secret, or a place people don't feel is worthwhile of a visit, but it's nine miles of roads and paths are perfect for biking, hiking, running - or even driving if that is what you prefer.<br />
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Pick a season to see various blooms throughout the year. From the Azalea collection to Perennials, Dogwoods to Asian gardens, and the National Grove of State Trees, there are paths and roads aplenty to see quite a diverse park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_C3g16AKCr4tS86l2OktiORP3HNZ9Gt7RuLDJT6yeA3VYbXjBEK8234mOFMcBFiN7Xwp-o575V-jQjoLtPFZvKntRqguPP7BA0pVB_BDFiY2UBPwCy71c7QIHrk9Hvx5DHRbgyBerS7V/s1600/Bonita+-+Perennials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_C3g16AKCr4tS86l2OktiORP3HNZ9Gt7RuLDJT6yeA3VYbXjBEK8234mOFMcBFiN7Xwp-o575V-jQjoLtPFZvKntRqguPP7BA0pVB_BDFiY2UBPwCy71c7QIHrk9Hvx5DHRbgyBerS7V/s1600/Bonita+-+Perennials.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie and I hiking by the Perennial collection</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiUWZrf3ObVJGunrl29-taK3TNvimuwnF4KknLH1JfbVXxvyFcwR2089HC0qooUx2fdjDeKzzjgFkHO_kTFWL4rmW_TDBN121XFvJlq7kFJVITOq-WkIrfcxEt-TEznI5EL1gGc7Ak3IV/s1600/Scenery7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiUWZrf3ObVJGunrl29-taK3TNvimuwnF4KknLH1JfbVXxvyFcwR2089HC0qooUx2fdjDeKzzjgFkHO_kTFWL4rmW_TDBN121XFvJlq7kFJVITOq-WkIrfcxEt-TEznI5EL1gGc7Ak3IV/s1600/Scenery7.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty along the way</td></tr>
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The National Grove of State Trees was an interesting area about 1.5 miles in. It provides a chance to see various State trees. My favorite, the White Oak of Maryland; and one I had not seen before, the Ohio Buckeye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqUEd-rGJOc4IWCZa5OZM_c1fXCLjOXhmbycdK347wyqaYYCPCUraJiCECud7awGAHV1cqd6xy1iHxO1iAmEUsYNkERQp-AmPK1tW7wLLQJ4rjkLLCBIYa_Q0JzXGuNLneQ46YkxWGswn/s1600/Two+White+Oaks+-+Maryland+State+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqUEd-rGJOc4IWCZa5OZM_c1fXCLjOXhmbycdK347wyqaYYCPCUraJiCECud7awGAHV1cqd6xy1iHxO1iAmEUsYNkERQp-AmPK1tW7wLLQJ4rjkLLCBIYa_Q0JzXGuNLneQ46YkxWGswn/s1600/Two+White+Oaks+-+Maryland+State+Tree.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two White Oaks side by side - These are offspring of the Wye Oak, which was the largest white oak in the U.S.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wye_Oak#cite_note-mdnr-3"></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Bg72_bO9kXt5JPnBeepLMYNFZyuAtvZigd2NQJ8aX11BZfa9GX1FWBJ3R_4nA8Jwfypx4WHAmxhLpJAUqKqg1iS0gQ9GhV3om_jGV7oWSTuWyCCeE5seVscXPVMRNGdIjq_Jpza5h4-U/s1600/Ohio+Buckeye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Bg72_bO9kXt5JPnBeepLMYNFZyuAtvZigd2NQJ8aX11BZfa9GX1FWBJ3R_4nA8Jwfypx4WHAmxhLpJAUqKqg1iS0gQ9GhV3om_jGV7oWSTuWyCCeE5seVscXPVMRNGdIjq_Jpza5h4-U/s1600/Ohio+Buckeye1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohio Buckeye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9OUM5P2Lt_mlBB5oyA2Td6dUjtNWHfJH0TuRcv4ObU00WaUz692z0QlWSzhh96zOry0wMGh60H5S7qyt1Z8nbtUVKI6TmoYMw8RFDXX2_wMd90q250Y5UJV16iJ7Hh9mZmuc47xh9BWP/s1600/Ohio+Buckeye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9OUM5P2Lt_mlBB5oyA2Td6dUjtNWHfJH0TuRcv4ObU00WaUz692z0QlWSzhh96zOry0wMGh60H5S7qyt1Z8nbtUVKI6TmoYMw8RFDXX2_wMd90q250Y5UJV16iJ7Hh9mZmuc47xh9BWP/s1600/Ohio+Buckeye2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohio Buckeye with Fruit (nut)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From here you move on toward the Capitol Columns. <span itemprop="articleBody description">Twenty-two Corinthian
columns that were located at the East portico of the Capitol building prior to the Capitol's expansion. The columns were the backdrop for presidential
inaugurations from Andrew Jackson to Dwight D. Eisenhower. Abraham
Lincoln gave his famous second inaugural address in front
of them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span itemprop="articleBody description">What was most interesting was the sandstone from which these columns were made came from the quarry at Government Island, less than 1 mile where we live today, and where we frequently take local hikes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2gkgNcp2eS9E8cM8QPAld0YKwebwxrahzKKBcNNQ9gdGXBm3ekiczPC3wMp-bOekqM-WqEK1PNwe1iBO_9Q29ga5YxiayulylX6W_qKkBgF759HXvZwVEiWNowhReE4R6ngiV7DR94CK/s1600/Capitol+Columns1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2gkgNcp2eS9E8cM8QPAld0YKwebwxrahzKKBcNNQ9gdGXBm3ekiczPC3wMp-bOekqM-WqEK1PNwe1iBO_9Q29ga5YxiayulylX6W_qKkBgF759HXvZwVEiWNowhReE4R6ngiV7DR94CK/s1600/Capitol+Columns1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitol Columns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7gL_AlBV2YT2ZtrrRUiESvWfW-OE6BhQbH-l4bWOJSBMbljih8lgCE7z5ku4uClbtMAiYCNKnuSGpsG9rME7QFv8UnFjXx6fp5amf8o6FZZ4gAqHw5LEHyMfXa6oaUj5RwpEizC9fD6r/s1600/Capitol+Columns6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7gL_AlBV2YT2ZtrrRUiESvWfW-OE6BhQbH-l4bWOJSBMbljih8lgCE7z5ku4uClbtMAiYCNKnuSGpsG9rME7QFv8UnFjXx6fp5amf8o6FZZ4gAqHw5LEHyMfXa6oaUj5RwpEizC9fD6r/s1600/Capitol+Columns6.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitol Columns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mKIHdDtJgBNeuhLe9G7QQXEXRmIZubXHg2GXXlstAgJ56VUjLTwktHHFz6NX9gu6gxF4dpBv4v23DweMCGCprswScI3gW52mkHY-fdWcOMzLkp-iHXWvO5yMSbGJ4EssUFxMpQzO4QBa/s1600/Capitol+Columns4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mKIHdDtJgBNeuhLe9G7QQXEXRmIZubXHg2GXXlstAgJ56VUjLTwktHHFz6NX9gu6gxF4dpBv4v23DweMCGCprswScI3gW52mkHY-fdWcOMzLkp-iHXWvO5yMSbGJ4EssUFxMpQzO4QBa/s1600/Capitol+Columns4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonita at Capitol Columns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluujXkR7s52oNhr160jTVhX2Hp3p1wRzlicbSZY398tJvPLdBYQPuu1Ejr_6ysE28R4a9-TkOEb5lbLwGmQPgVZb3UsaFYZmvsgHCTzF_nmgVIWOv5Os4G0IJcYJq_DeIpgbiFcPU18LW/s1600/Capitol+Columns5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluujXkR7s52oNhr160jTVhX2Hp3p1wRzlicbSZY398tJvPLdBYQPuu1Ejr_6ysE28R4a9-TkOEb5lbLwGmQPgVZb3UsaFYZmvsgHCTzF_nmgVIWOv5Os4G0IJcYJq_DeIpgbiFcPU18LW/s1600/Capitol+Columns5.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgajgRVngBLlTDJaR7JGVL3yZb1Oq2BhL620DXLlHlZ5JFaGI0bJu9jKkB-m31uTsBAHUynF9TIUuHIHJ_Gjt-XI1ITzwda8ZAZmQb4vRG_atayhrC89tBCWZthPhMKJryuJKJ3Uqm44ZT/s1600/Government-Island-Sandstone-Quarry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgajgRVngBLlTDJaR7JGVL3yZb1Oq2BhL620DXLlHlZ5JFaGI0bJu9jKkB-m31uTsBAHUynF9TIUuHIHJ_Gjt-XI1ITzwda8ZAZmQb4vRG_atayhrC89tBCWZthPhMKJryuJKJ3Uqm44ZT/s1600/Government-Island-Sandstone-Quarry.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Government Island at Aquia Creek. Where the sandstone was quarried. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span itemprop="articleBody description">The route goes on and on. At this stage we were not half way through. From the meadow of where the the columns are located, we headed to a wooded area, where the shade provided a perfect break. From there, to Asian Gardens, the Dogwood Exhibit and onto the Conifer collection.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span itemprop="articleBody description"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfKpozJY6EwJRJO7bGZj1vpd43XkDEsdsgPgEg9uCmmsjOi2txZugmrpcr3esgJMmieA_jg5XbwttEexr4bKgIGt-f5bWkQYvILo6PlOI8PbigdHOlIIjRU25BGvqzEiCFOHZMVEJgi2O/s1600/Mike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfKpozJY6EwJRJO7bGZj1vpd43XkDEsdsgPgEg9uCmmsjOi2txZugmrpcr3esgJMmieA_jg5XbwttEexr4bKgIGt-f5bWkQYvILo6PlOI8PbigdHOlIIjRU25BGvqzEiCFOHZMVEJgi2O/s1600/Mike2.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varying landscape - woods to meadows to fields to hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisP7EXsXRV1OZn47omeoAMehPrBa7f4NGNn_r2ao1BhqEKSmqv6js0wfe682L8_wR5arszPLLhtKYTLa5EiB3Z7Qe_DjDUIOoBl_ZXI5P0CK5434QZxMwMgBWnqI3AK67ez-_MmvbHpU5/s1600/Scenery6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisP7EXsXRV1OZn47omeoAMehPrBa7f4NGNn_r2ao1BhqEKSmqv6js0wfe682L8_wR5arszPLLhtKYTLa5EiB3Z7Qe_DjDUIOoBl_ZXI5P0CK5434QZxMwMgBWnqI3AK67ez-_MmvbHpU5/s1600/Scenery6.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still to bloom - though unidentified</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7CH0sGnsJmvowyUeD9T3PybzE1g8ic-mC3-NJJYNLi-HISaIeSIvjNerSK2IikPJlmqwbDcQYqkInVN7jQ6jYp1bR-ZrwD7urxn2OdzIMQ9XoWCYKwRa84UAibPs8uvxskvxQt5BaSqr/s1600/Scenery9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7CH0sGnsJmvowyUeD9T3PybzE1g8ic-mC3-NJJYNLi-HISaIeSIvjNerSK2IikPJlmqwbDcQYqkInVN7jQ6jYp1bR-ZrwD7urxn2OdzIMQ9XoWCYKwRa84UAibPs8uvxskvxQt5BaSqr/s1600/Scenery9.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As wide as it is tall! And a perfect shady area underneath!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span itemprop="articleBody description">The Conifer collection was quite remarkable. The trunk and root structures, the colors, the shapes and sizes. One man, William Gotelli, donated his 1500 conifer collection to the Arboretum so they could continue to be enjoyed. I added his marker here in appreciation of him.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span itemprop="articleBody description"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgZju2RhnJrAgHlKmbgaibINGyi1OmvL_n92W5E9y_7DtNgaeDjpdpkH_HZrsKaZbSVfVf9cIW4QEHXSvqyMXYAnjK4CmKpYoLeDIzTfFZSimYGnC0iU8OP2Xbefg2zt94pmBi5dhK3o7/s1600/Scenery93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgZju2RhnJrAgHlKmbgaibINGyi1OmvL_n92W5E9y_7DtNgaeDjpdpkH_HZrsKaZbSVfVf9cIW4QEHXSvqyMXYAnjK4CmKpYoLeDIzTfFZSimYGnC0iU8OP2Xbefg2zt94pmBi5dhK3o7/s1600/Scenery93.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwoods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNiRhrSzl9KWHyqYzLH_DCvLpJak6foaaUcEarSt8ZI58czwtq4stVi3nuFx8mTy2MeuiLahsbUkGquw6CUDzb4WBR_Vrkbe5TAHza8R8_QwcAG5zLaJ8ynUpjef4bS9C02_epyiFOpvG/s1600/Scenery94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNiRhrSzl9KWHyqYzLH_DCvLpJak6foaaUcEarSt8ZI58czwtq4stVi3nuFx8mTy2MeuiLahsbUkGquw6CUDzb4WBR_Vrkbe5TAHza8R8_QwcAG5zLaJ8ynUpjef4bS9C02_epyiFOpvG/s1600/Scenery94.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conifer Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthsUrWmViqGUn0bB9vn4DLhGCpbnuhSwE_m-jGCXETBC9Kif_SOoRyI4OQIizogIz9jYmCxK1G2mhSiVPWY5hkNjO3Hx23zuumE1BtQfcZPmK7qlQmzqwvbwP7FOXzd7l_M7d8ES2Y9HT/s1600/Pick+Your+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthsUrWmViqGUn0bB9vn4DLhGCpbnuhSwE_m-jGCXETBC9Kif_SOoRyI4OQIizogIz9jYmCxK1G2mhSiVPWY5hkNjO3Hx23zuumE1BtQfcZPmK7qlQmzqwvbwP7FOXzd7l_M7d8ES2Y9HT/s1600/Pick+Your+Green.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shades of Green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7Sgl9-wxCVTIG6q70l_lYb0opNuQh4FwakLTd6VkYeGHD63Es_sAi2zu78nRFh43nKs9CpiyrYwJlctnTAFgfCjJ6-ID5lVjRCjCGeDQjL7HEK2As3FcUOwJtLe9IPzPw9fFB1IEj39k/s1600/Scenery97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7Sgl9-wxCVTIG6q70l_lYb0opNuQh4FwakLTd6VkYeGHD63Es_sAi2zu78nRFh43nKs9CpiyrYwJlctnTAFgfCjJ6-ID5lVjRCjCGeDQjL7HEK2As3FcUOwJtLe9IPzPw9fFB1IEj39k/s1600/Scenery97.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conifer Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZnCedU5xidexg9-QP25fGPfURd_HvToFv_ctqNo5TkGlfYuTrjvJ8TWWc-o7Qcl3Qwrs0Uzjg_7kIHGByat19PXMeXV30Kz0vQ-S2vZAXY9VCaSj5Vah_eEYP4p9Vnni5PS-cueMZG8G/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZnCedU5xidexg9-QP25fGPfURd_HvToFv_ctqNo5TkGlfYuTrjvJ8TWWc-o7Qcl3Qwrs0Uzjg_7kIHGByat19PXMeXV30Kz0vQ-S2vZAXY9VCaSj5Vah_eEYP4p9Vnni5PS-cueMZG8G/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Gotelli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Six miles hiked; a lot of beauty seen, a perfect day to be outside. We picked the right route as things got better and better as we went along. At the end, we finished with the Arboretum's incredible bonsai collection, then the herb garden. The hike was over. These were cooldown activities.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQZHrcZ-n8iJ5t9WcwvtHxLguTCg8Rvfm8q5F2kZTzu7yLb59SGloK1mNhLhCR-xjlt72xLBlbHR8HJf44zixu-w3fn4s26-FpfGYHFiK3Z7egPqXWeGQE6kWw95SYYhqFuX0NL4Vk1ca/s1600/Bonsai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQZHrcZ-n8iJ5t9WcwvtHxLguTCg8Rvfm8q5F2kZTzu7yLb59SGloK1mNhLhCR-xjlt72xLBlbHR8HJf44zixu-w3fn4s26-FpfGYHFiK3Z7egPqXWeGQE6kWw95SYYhqFuX0NL4Vk1ca/s1600/Bonsai2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl79YfCpkjh1wh8-cHWQL_Gj0z4Bo0MD0k4O0YokRtODM-LUbOyDLwyv6VXdcevBITmRtjRiw-lKhzzfCU7nMov4TBdgZ8RS4-pEk820Ev2hEiGe6bgbCKQjunJypRTbNRPBC1xulxZfx/s1600/Bonsai4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl79YfCpkjh1wh8-cHWQL_Gj0z4Bo0MD0k4O0YokRtODM-LUbOyDLwyv6VXdcevBITmRtjRiw-lKhzzfCU7nMov4TBdgZ8RS4-pEk820Ev2hEiGe6bgbCKQjunJypRTbNRPBC1xulxZfx/s1600/Bonsai4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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The daddy of them all was the below bonsai dating to 1625. It survived the attack on Nagasaki and is nearly 400 years old.</div>
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If you need a good day to get out and do something a little different, a place to take a picnic lunch, ride a bike, or hike anywhere from 2-9 miles, the National Arboretum is a worthwhile destination. Pick a season to find your favorite trees, shrubs, and flowers in bloom!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep Hiking, Friends!</td></tr>
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Mike</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-63812030682876133602014-07-20T05:30:00.000-07:002014-07-20T05:36:47.796-07:00#28 - Old Rag Mountain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For a day hike in Virginia, it just doesn't get much better than Old Rag Mountain (named for the Old Rag Granite formed roughly one billion years ago.) Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Shenandoah National Park, this 9 mile circuit, part hike, part rock scramble, is a complete workout that leaves you feeling wonderful, exhausted, sore, and wondering if you should ever do it again! Ultimately, you can't help but love it, and the experience stays with you for days after your hike is over.<br />
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With all of my four kids home, a group of us headed out on Wednesday. A couple of storms had blown through earlier in the week leaving lower temps, lower humidity, and being mid-week; smaller crowds. The result was nothing short of fabulous!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 400-500 Black Bear in Shenandoah National Park</td></tr>
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We had "bearly" got started, less than 1/4 mile in, when we came across a black bear who had peered out from the brush to give us a good look. We stopped to admire it for a moment or two, then moved along knowing we had a long adventure ahead of us.<br />
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With the summit at 3,291feet, there is only one way to go, so up we climbed, switchback after switchback up the side of the mountain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Half of Old Rag</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Half of Old Rag</td></tr>
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After about 1.5 miles, the traditional switchbacks transition to a one mile rock scramble to the summit. Here, arms, legs, feet, butt, hands, knees and elbows are used to traverse the giant rocks leading to the summit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhausted from scrambling, Tim cleared a path for us to get by!</td></tr>
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It is an incredibly challenging hike, as you remove camelbacks to squeeze through crevices, attempt to find workarounds so as to not pull yourself up yet another large rock, turning a corner just to find another large climb looms ahead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What?? We're not done??</td></tr>
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The payoff is the beautiful views of Shenandoah National Park to one side, the valleys leading to farms and small towns on the other. With a need to hydrate, the rocks provide a perfect place to stop and take in the surroundings.<br />
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Alas, you make it to the summit! Spectacular views, beautiful sunshine, a slight breeze on the northwest side to keep you cool!<br />
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We split up from here. Half to scramble back down, half to finish the 9 mile circuit. Fun, beautiful, enjoyable regardless which you pick; though each muscle will remind you this was no regular day hike.<br />
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It's not often I get to hike with all four of my children - and friends to boot! It made for a hike I'll never forget!<br />
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National Geographic lists Old Rag Mountain as one of their top Day Hikes in America's National Parks. Check out the article at: http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2014/07/10/top-day-hikes-in-americas-national-parks/<br />
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Keep hiking, friends! And if you want a full day challenge, go visit Old Rag!<br />
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Mike<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-48475305997761826632014-07-15T19:56:00.000-07:002014-07-16T03:55:39.819-07:00#27 - Schuylkill River Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A new area explored as we spent a long weekend in PA for a family reunion, celebrating both family and friends. With food and drink aplenty, a hike was in order, and I found the nearby 130 mile Schuylkill River Trail, stretching from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia.<br />
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With family activities planned, we accessed the trail at the nearest point to our location, Pottstown, PA, to get a 5 mile hike in. The trail was paved and well maintained and a brisk hike felt good in the morning heat and humidity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schuylkill River Trail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Nice scenery adorned as we headed upstream. Two things were apparent from the start; while you could hike this trail for miles and miles, this section was made for biking and running. These activities added to the speed of the flat, fast moving trail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schuylkill River Trail</td></tr>
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The length and mile markers of the trail allowed for a long, focused workout. As we wound away from the river, through fields and to the outskirts of town, I couldn't help but feel that this section was best for biking the 20 or so miles to Reading, PA. Even so, we picked up the pace and moved briskly along.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the river to the outskirts of town</td></tr>
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A hike with family, joined by my wife, daughter and brother, made for a good workout. Yes, today it was shorter and faster; but hey, we had 50 family members gathering upon our return. We had got our miles in, now it was time to share laughs, exchange hugs, and relive fond memories. Somehow, the hike had set the tone for a perfect day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East meets West - My brother and I</td></tr>
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Keep hiking! And may the path end at family and friends.<br />
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Mike<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17034917412352052513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550855558159507129.post-39765331948022286202014-07-06T19:12:00.002-07:002014-07-06T19:14:00.196-07:00#26 - A Great Hike with Tim<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy 4th of July! What a great weekend to enjoy a hot Summer Holiday! Fireworks, friends, family, food and fun!<br />
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After all of the festivities, today turned out to be a perfect day to wrap up the weekend with a beautiful 6.5 mile hike - and a chance to work off the burgers, bratwursts and beers.<br />
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My son Tim joined me today, so I wanted today to be a great hike; not straight up a mountain, not a more isolated locale, rather, a place to get out and enjoy the weather and take in some great views. We decided on Difficult Run to the Potomac River, then up River Trail to Great Falls. This hike offers a perfect balance of distance, difficulty, sun and shade, so was just perfect for a day like today.<br />
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Difficult Run is a great place to start for a fun day! Hop out on the rocks, check out some of the wildlife you're likely to see. Enjoy the peacefulness and the sound of rushing water, all as you move along closer to confluence with the Potomac.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Difficult Run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Difficult Run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Vulture at Difficult Run</td></tr>
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Once at the Potomac, Ridge Trail takes you through some beautiful forest until you meet up with River Trail and the excellent views of the river.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potomac River - Mather Gorge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Climbing along the River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznkDCFZWprw-0zjw-SJujsn32IKwXY3R_6UXzTWWQzVXkfJzDtSClHnl8vd2TSixWHDi34mMXSKUAwF8qYKfmvPLD-gWZvchYPfDALoae6VdXofhrMpQASw4m6ZtO2V8swxZ8Hpsbj4Up/s1600/Skink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznkDCFZWprw-0zjw-SJujsn32IKwXY3R_6UXzTWWQzVXkfJzDtSClHnl8vd2TSixWHDi34mMXSKUAwF8qYKfmvPLD-gWZvchYPfDALoae6VdXofhrMpQASw4m6ZtO2V8swxZ8Hpsbj4Up/s1600/Skink.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A broad-headed Skink checking us out at an overlook point</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXQQRDFXQb3EdKDhpTMfJGmGweKEQluPaAAVOVVc7umQimcGi1pvy2RkqbO2D50gZmlRPjFpvLRr6lGYBMGH9S-ErDX8iwZJSqoUpNTs0Pq3xl2HEi0YvSMbqBBWyAw4zzo3UmSiPqGwV/s1600/Turtle+Swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXQQRDFXQb3EdKDhpTMfJGmGweKEQluPaAAVOVVc7umQimcGi1pvy2RkqbO2D50gZmlRPjFpvLRr6lGYBMGH9S-ErDX8iwZJSqoUpNTs0Pq3xl2HEi0YvSMbqBBWyAw4zzo3UmSiPqGwV/s1600/Turtle+Swimming.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle swimming in the river</td></tr>
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A lot of people were out having fun today, hiking, rock climbing, rafting and kayaking. One set of kayakers were practicing their skills righting themselves once flipped. Part of it seemed to be a way to cool off!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsdJxJRY9Jwn51QxQvdkfheAOEUfLYe7tQbyoSGIMOhdznDeTupfdld_fTg4hY6CVtgg3bZiQ_toczE6yBVs8-kDeP0hRarMpgtkgL9h_Wd8W-1Y2s4rST_WFZb-Lr5Bu5avaHbg5ucq6/s1600/Practice+Roll1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsdJxJRY9Jwn51QxQvdkfheAOEUfLYe7tQbyoSGIMOhdznDeTupfdld_fTg4hY6CVtgg3bZiQ_toczE6yBVs8-kDeP0hRarMpgtkgL9h_Wd8W-1Y2s4rST_WFZb-Lr5Bu5avaHbg5ucq6/s1600/Practice+Roll1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxEcO0MsXqKwfSgv6yRecyKQvB-iNt5rYFX6o6axibkCO3d5lFlwEc8xIdOzMZzszbNb7BGIC-P0kGQQ81ZQgJ5TDPMiA79c0oxgsWYJgbcH0UC8vM1npj-LHlVZNfKusOqNR7K77mcCi/s1600/Practice+Roll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxEcO0MsXqKwfSgv6yRecyKQvB-iNt5rYFX6o6axibkCO3d5lFlwEc8xIdOzMZzszbNb7BGIC-P0kGQQ81ZQgJ5TDPMiA79c0oxgsWYJgbcH0UC8vM1npj-LHlVZNfKusOqNR7K77mcCi/s1600/Practice+Roll2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa3CPsSSkbEUEJYojFgtEquRDHo3L2_DMRRivlsB6ynWs6Zj_2mMYplc95URkilEu7zLWocc-s0qweH1eAi2yos6r80YspchYapBrTZHi3mFP5Qqq_J1wYZy4I0BjIoE4_iI14AqJob4a/s1600/Practice+Roll3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa3CPsSSkbEUEJYojFgtEquRDHo3L2_DMRRivlsB6ynWs6Zj_2mMYplc95URkilEu7zLWocc-s0qweH1eAi2yos6r80YspchYapBrTZHi3mFP5Qqq_J1wYZy4I0BjIoE4_iI14AqJob4a/s1600/Practice+Roll3.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhX4aFEYil_XoMO-SYqLv3X1NW3jBt7zHQrgHOhJwxqAxw8i4bnfQxBg3dMNbHAH2wWz3s-y0LjbElf4GRYTDyd47AFvYOGPh4-BF7zHTSkoy7m9Kgo31xwTDp-nrwxBAUmRmsAO29sq9/s1600/Practice+Roll4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhX4aFEYil_XoMO-SYqLv3X1NW3jBt7zHQrgHOhJwxqAxw8i4bnfQxBg3dMNbHAH2wWz3s-y0LjbElf4GRYTDyd47AFvYOGPh4-BF7zHTSkoy7m9Kgo31xwTDp-nrwxBAUmRmsAO29sq9/s1600/Practice+Roll4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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It seems every time we come to the Great Falls area, a rescue action occurs. The below response seemed to be as a result of a fall on the rocks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlxmaw035V3fqjMxISYM9mZgncnwz8OzRYTwwMFJ77Z0cgBwI5NroubrfiTBzFK-thpToIJuQ_M6ceXeYRjgpMoH_-zpguJYyRHgCXC5Fa_0Nbx5pB59k3bqUNwgqX1rqOl-VQmmZXete/s1600/River+Rescue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlxmaw035V3fqjMxISYM9mZgncnwz8OzRYTwwMFJ77Z0cgBwI5NroubrfiTBzFK-thpToIJuQ_M6ceXeYRjgpMoH_-zpguJYyRHgCXC5Fa_0Nbx5pB59k3bqUNwgqX1rqOl-VQmmZXete/s1600/River+Rescue.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Rescue response to injury on Billy Goat Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S6sMzYwWaVZfFcN6h5C7o8BqQYot07QFtXQ5dnhPe98uLW8RCvu_h8u1m5aHxTqWrB_Qv3k497a98ggRxVSvI-QL35ZtO2jrLeTulbLffhmBwx1zeWhMFT6_OVzqEvKDjlVsAlI9O5aQ/s1600/River+Rescue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S6sMzYwWaVZfFcN6h5C7o8BqQYot07QFtXQ5dnhPe98uLW8RCvu_h8u1m5aHxTqWrB_Qv3k497a98ggRxVSvI-QL35ZtO2jrLeTulbLffhmBwx1zeWhMFT6_OVzqEvKDjlVsAlI9O5aQ/s1600/River+Rescue2.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Response to injury on trail</td></tr>
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The best part was covering the miles with Tim. We talked of future hikes we'd like to do. It was a great day, hiking at our own pace, enjoying the day together. We made it to the Falls. It was our destination, but the journey was what made our trip great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YQQwQu9TBsw6dcnKqyCWGS8AoPoSJHria2tkGWDirELYMFc-JsYP40OGPtxsrfdik3pOt2CgjRMThBqozbB40isEblX-nrj41avMYBqLlqQXrCystvkMp2M05ZLbE5piiWWLWA9YTW5z/s1600/Tim+and+I+-+Great+Falls%252C+VA+-+6+July+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YQQwQu9TBsw6dcnKqyCWGS8AoPoSJHria2tkGWDirELYMFc-JsYP40OGPtxsrfdik3pOt2CgjRMThBqozbB40isEblX-nrj41avMYBqLlqQXrCystvkMp2M05ZLbE5piiWWLWA9YTW5z/s1600/Tim+and+I+-+Great+Falls%252C+VA+-+6+July+2014.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim and I - Great Falls, VA - 06 July 2014</td></tr>
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See you on the trails!<br />
<br />
Mike</div>
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