#20 - Difficult Run to Great Falls

I was very happy to be able to do this hike yesterday. It is one that has been on my list for awhile, the weather was perfect, and with the rains from the days before, the water levels were way up - providing views you don't normally see.

I was able to get an early start, which is key in the Great Falls area. By 10:00, I already had 3 hours of hiking under my belt, and was able to enjoy the calmness and coolness of the morning, catching some of the area wildlife before the sun's full rise.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, though almost immediately, it was clear the water levels were high, some of the banks and paths had been breached, and other areas were not passable. Those turned out to be minor issues, as the area itself was beautiful, and I was determined to move on.

From the start - underbrush knocked down from flowing water

Trail washed out

Trail washed out

The area of Difficult Run turned out to be gorgeous, and I could not believe I had most of this area to myself. I paused a number of times, just to take in the early sun and rushing water.

Difficult Run

As I headed further downstream, I came upon an area with high rock walls and the water rushed by more powerfully. Difficult Run is essentially a creek, so to see this volume of water made for some nice views. In fact, as I sat down to take in the beauty, and the sound of the rushing water, I was surprised as I looked over at a Turkey Buzzard - who was looking back at me!

As I sat down for a moment to take in the sights and sounds, I turned my head to see this black vulture. The black vulture has shorter wings and tail than a turkey vulture - and is less common in this area. It's head is dark gray to black, compared to the turkey vulture's red head.

It was beyond this point where Difficult Run joins the Potomac - and I climbed from the waters edge up to Ridge Trail, where I could hear the river roaring in the distance. The views were beautiful, and I could not get over the speed of the river. Logs and full size trees moving at what seemed about 15 miles an hour.

First view of Potomac from Ridge Trail

Potomac from Ridge Trail

One of many large logs and trees sweeping by

Docks, barrels, tires, trees...

I moved from Ridge Trail to River Trail. Part of River Trail was closed, but the remainder made for beautiful views and some tense moments. Across the Potomac, on the Maryland side, is Billy Goat Trail. The National Park Service closed Billy Goat Trail due to dangerous conditions, though one hiker ignored that closure putting US Park Police in a dangerous situation.

US Park Police directing hiker to evacuate

Hiker on closed trail

US Park Police had their hands full with people ignoring closures

I came upon a Park Ranger rushing to get these two off the rocks

Spectacular views and being in awe of the rushing river kept this hike amazing as I worked my way toward Great Falls. Rock formations, plants, and wildlife made each step of this hike a great experience. As I made my way along, I was surprised to see both a Pileated Woodpecker and Red-shouldered Hawk. I was able to take a number of photos of these very beautiful birds.

River Trail

One of thousands of rock formations

Pileated Woodpecker

Red-shouldered Hawk

I made it to Great Falls. It was quite spectacular with the volume of water rushing through. I have never seen all of the rock formations completely covered. Even so, this level of water came no where near the top floods of the area. As I watched the water rumble by, I wondered how it would change the falls when water levels receded. I have attached a photo of Great Falls under more normal conditions - and as of yesterday.

Great Falls under more normal conditions

Great Falls - Saturday, May 17, 2014

 Yesterday's flow rate was 150,000 Cubic Feet per Second (cfs)

From here, it was Swamp Trail back to where I had parked. Green, lush, less traveled - as all of those arriving now were here for the river. The coolness and greenery was the perfect way to wind things down.

Swamp Trail

Chipmunk on Swamp Trail

Two Deer - Swamp Trail

I logged 7 miles on this hike, though the miles were never on my mind. Not with everything I had seen today. As I pulled out of the parking lot, dozens more were pulling in - smiles on their faces. Just as I had when I had arrived.

Keep Hiking, Friends!!

Until next time,

 Mike

#19 - Evergreen

Male Eastern Box Turtle

There have been a number of benefits for me since I began hiking regularly 5 ½ months ago. My doctor commented last week on the 10 pounds I've lost since my last visit. The extra weight I had gained was one of many reasons I began Fifty Hikes at 50.

While the physical benefits have been considerable, weekend hiking comes with its own set of requirements, and there is little time during the work week to plan upcoming trips, inventory gear, double check maps, and travel any number of hours the morning of your hike.

While you do the best you can, a day hike is a day hike. You get one day to get your act together, and into a state of mind, that you want to be in for days - not hours.

Welcome to Evergreen!

Tucked away in Southampton County, VA, lies Evergreen; a wondrous oasis of farm and forest whose parts do not entirely make up its whole. Owned by dear friends, Evergreen is part farm, with farm equipment dating back to the 1930’s; part garden, designed in storybook fashion by a Master Gardener whose designs go well beyond his vision; and part forest, with a quiet stream passing through its boundaries, offering camp sites for those who stay a night or two.

Outdoor kitchen area

Fire Pit and common area - where friends unite

Camping Area

Fruits and vegetables grow abundantly; and a barnyard with roosters, hens, peacocks, turkeys, and beehives, provide for a large number of eggs, honey - and poultry if the need were to arise.

Turkey, chickens, peacocks and other fowl thrive at Evergreen

Fresh Strawberries among the many fresh fruits and vegetables

Herb Garden

It was from Evergreen, that I got this week’s seven mile hike in. Rural in nature, Southampton County is dotted with farms, and it was during my hike I was able to see many of the telltale signs of agriculture and forestry. My goal was to make it to the town of Courtland and back, and the small country roads made for a good way to cover the miles, passing farms, fields, and forest along the way.

As I made it to the outskirts of town, I was running parallel to train tracks that would effectively loop me back to where I had started. With some of the wildlife I had already seen, I was excited to head back along the rails in an effort to see more. It turns out, I was not disappointed.

Train track return and a wild turkey

I came upon wild turkeys, deer, turtles, and other various birds and fowl along the way. I also learned, if you're not a big fan of snakes, it is sometimes best to stick to the path and leave the railroad tracks to the trains.

Male Cardinal

Eastern Box Turtle

One of numerous wild turkeys seen

As I approached a swampy area along the tracks, I came upon one snake, then two, then three, and four, all sunning themselves on the railroad ties. I had to gently navigate (and one time run), as I passed each one – neither of us liking that the other was there. I later found snake #5 back on the road, a rather large king snake, as I walked by.

One of four on the tracks

King snake along road

I made it back, passing golden fields as the sun rose higher in the sky. As I neared Evergreen I heard the iron bell ring, signaling breakfast was ready for those interested. A smile came upon my face as I entered back in to be with friends.

Thanks to Randy, Doug and friends for a great weekend,

Mike

#18 - Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

I should start off saying Sugarloaf Mountain was not on my "to do" list of areas to hike. Rather, I took advantage of a situation that presented itself; and the opportunity to visit a place I have not been since I was a small boy.

I had come to the area on an email invitation. To attend a dedication at a family cemetery near Brighton Dam. I have come across a number of family cemetery's during my hikes and have always found them interesting. Little did I know the next one I would visit would be within my own family; one that I did not know existed, dating back to the early 1800's. It was heartwarming to visit where Samuel (1787-1866) and Susannah Nichols (buried here along with other family members) raised their 10 children; as I am a descendant of their son Robert (1825-1889).

Nichols family grave sites - 1800's - near Brighton Dam

It was a wonderful few hours spent, meeting other descendants, hearing the stories of the times. Afterward, as I departed, I stopped by Brighton Dam, as it had been many, many years since I had been there.

Brighton Dam - Tridelphia Reservoir

Brighton Dam - Patuxant River

Now, off to find a place to hike. Looking at a map, there lies Sugarloaf Mountain. I can recall going to Sugarloaf Mountain on a few occasions as a very young boy. Picnic's with my Mom, Dad and brother. Field trips from elementary school. In fact, I guess you could say I got started in hiking at the ripe old age of about 21 months.

My Mom and I - Sugarloaf Mountain - Oct 1965

Luckily for me, Sugarloaf has a series of trails that allow for anyone to get 7-8 miles in relatively easily. My recommendation is is to hike the "Blue Trail" if you are looking to get some distance in. All are in very good shape, though some have rock formations that require attention.

The views both near, and at, the summit make it all worthwhile. I got to experience a decent climb, a spring shower or two, and a setting sun.

East View

West View - Incoming Shower

McCormack's View

Summit looking South

Sugarloaf Mountain offers a fun day to be outside. Combine some trails, add some side excursions, and enjoy an extended hike and the beauty of the area. I ended up with about 6 miles here, and many good memories of my family and my childhood as I hiked along.

Keep hiking friends.