#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.

#17 - Southern Hospitality - and the return to the green, green grass (er,...woods) of home!

I think I woke up before Denise Austin on this morning

When I was a runner, I would carry my running shoes everywhere I went. There was no choice but to get training runs in - and it actually turned out to be an excellent way to see a new location! I have run through Paris at dawn, Garmisch at dusk, and in many cities, suburbs, and rural areas in between. Traveling did not allow for me to be thrown off my training schedule.

My goal of hiking is similar. 50 hikes in 52 weeks does not allow for many weeks to be missed. While ideally, my hikes will be of 6-10 miles or more, in as many National Parks I can get to, there are going to be times where I pick up intensity in order to have the equivalent of a longer hike - or I'll hike urban, to see the sights of a new area.

This past week was a lot like this. While traveling and enjoying the Easter holiday with family and friends, I was still able to log 20 miles through parts of Charleston, Savannah, and here back home in Virginia.

Charleston afforded me two days of 5 miles each. Day 1 on Daniel Island; Day 2 in the downtown area. There are not many things more pleasant than covering ground in Charleston in the month of April! Try that in the July/August time-frame and it's a whole different story! Charleston is beautiful and you can cover block after block after block - never slowing down as you take it all in.

 

 After departing Charleston, we headed to Savannah, and an opportunity to get 4 miles in while we explored the city! Absolutely fabulous, with beautiful parks, and Spanish moss flowing from the trees! We then moved down along the river and covered the waterfront area - with huge container ships passing as we trekked along. We'll plan to do a more in-depth hike here again!

I'd be remiss if I didn't add Orlando, our destination after Savannah. This was down time. A chance to enjoy a few days with no real schedule or agenda. A day at the pool, a day at Epcot! A good down day.

 

Back home in Virginia, realizing all miles to that point had been asphalt, I headed out to see how Spring had arrived since my last trip into the forest. I was pleasantly surprised as I logged 6 miles along trails of green. Everything had changed from just two weeks prior - with the setting sun forcing me out before I was ready.

So, it was a full and busy week, though I was able to get the hikes in that I needed - and enjoyed all I had seen. I realize it is time to venture out again, and I look to move out to new frontiers in the weeks ahead!

Update: I'm happy to report my hiking partner was able to hike a number of these miles with me! She's following doctor's orders - as she's in it for the long haul :-)

We'll see you soon on the trails!

Mike

#16 - Long Shadows - and Signs of Spring!

Evening Hike - Getting Started

Unfortunately, I'm unable to take off each weekend to the best National Parks our Country has to offer. It's time for Spring clean-up around the house and time to plant the fruits and vegetables that we will enjoy throughout the Summer. The good news is, that doesn't mean you can't get out for your hike! Actually, things can be so different every time you go. Yesterday was one of those times.

Getting up and hiking in the morning is my most favorite time to hike. However, waiting for the evening, when the shadows start to stretch, and the sunlight is a rich orange, you begin to notice different sights and sounds as the forest prepares for night.

At the Trail Head

Green ground cover - Ground Cedar

With all of the Cherry Trees and Dogwood's in bloom throughout the area, you would almost think someone forgot to inform the forest that Spring is here - as many of the trees are still bare. However, as I hiked along, I noticed the amount of Ground Cedar certainly seemed to be more dense, and some of the smaller trees and shrubs were beginning to show new green.

I picked the western end of the South Valley Trail to Hike, as it is an area I had never made it to before. I'm glad I selected this trail, as it was perfect for the long shadows I saw, and the symphony of frogs as I hiked along.

Western Edge - South Valley Trail

Western Edge - South Valley Trail

Western Edge - South Valley Trail

I saw a number of interesting wildlife and animal habitat along the way. The prize were two wild turkey's I came upon, and I just couldn't get my camera out in time before they were gone. Signs of beavers taking down trees, a wasp nest the size of a soccer ball (that I was thankful was not active), and a baby black snake were among the treasures for today.

Busy Beaver

Wasp Nest

Baby Black Snake

 Of course, there is always the creek, and wherever there's a creek there's Riley. She is happy Spring is here and that the water is not as cold.

Riley Swimming

 

We got 4 miles in, and while it wasn't a day long adventure, it was just what we needed for today. We made it back about 30 minutes before dark, as the forest and the creek were preparing for darkness. I found the hike to actually be more relaxing than strenuous. A good way to end a good day.

Keep hiking, friends...

Mike

#15 - Occoquan Reservoir

Occoquan Reservoir - Bull Run Marina to Fountain Head

A beautiful Spring day at the Occoquan reservoir, and while I got a late start, I managed to explore a new trail that I really enjoyed! One word that defines this hike is "Hills!" My initial goal was to hike 12.6 miles, but due to my late start, I settled for eight very interesting, very hilly, miles.

It is always a pleasant surprise to hike a new trail, and happen upon the various landscape and landmarks along the way. One of the surprises today was the number of creek and stream crossings I came across. I was expecting more trail along the reservoir, however, the trail cut inland often, cutting through beautiful forest. The trail is very well maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

Occoquan Trail

Occoquan Trail

Occoquan Trail

 As I wound through the forest, back along the reservoir, and up and down hills and switchbacks, I was happy to come across Wolf Run, which allowed me a place to walk some flatter land, slow my pace for awhile, and enjoy the area.

Wolf Run

Wolf Run

Crossing Wolf Run

While I wanted to continue to Fountain Head Park, my late start kept me a couple of miles short. I made it up to Wolf Run Shoals, where crossings of the Occoquan have occurred for centuries (now replaced further downstream by I95). At this point, I found a small family cemetery and a transition in terrain. This would be as far as i would go today.

A bumpy ride - Crossing the Occoquan

Fairfax-Buckley Family Cemetery

Abandoned house at the end of the Wolf Run Shoals road

At this point I turned back to complete my hike. A great day, indeed. I just touched on 4 miles out of 20 miles of trails. I'll be back to this area, as there is much more to explore.

Garter Snake I came across

Happy hiking, my friends!

Mike

#14 - North Valley Trail

Friday, and a day off of work! With rain in the forecast, I knew the best time to get outside was this morning. There were light showers as I departed, but knowing I would have some protection from the forest canopy, I headed out to hike the North Valley Trail at Prince William Forest Park. Riley heard me packing up, was raring to go, so she tagged along.

The rain gave me an opportunity to check out some new gear and make sure I was packed appropriately for Spring. I was very happy with how everything held up, with the exception of my camera bag, so I'll need to research some options that allow me to cover ground, keep the camera dry, and still get the photos I want.

Quantico Creek and the bridge to North Valley Trail

Portion of the North Valley Trail

Quantico Creek

North Valley Trail is a great trail, with many sights to see as you make your way along. The quietness, interrupted only by the sounds of the creek, forest, and grasslands, is soothing and beautiful. What's nice about a day with some light rain is you feel you have the whole area to yourself. Today, I was passed by one trail runner, and came across one other hiker coming from the opposite direction. Two people in 3 hours or so allows you to really enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

North Valley Trail

North Valley Trail at old Pyrite Mine

One of the many beautiful grass and pine areas

Western edge of North Valley Trail

Of course, if we're headed out where there is water, Riley wants to swim and play. It won't be long before we start seeing northern water snakes, but for today, the creek was running at a perfect level, with the water nice and clear.

Riley trying to catch salmon ;->

Always looking for a pool over her head so she can swim

Happy Dog

Exploring

Today's hike was six-miler, and just a perfect day. The wildlife, the flora as we head into Spring, and the beauty of the area, made for a great hike.

Lower end of Quantico Falls

 

A nesting pair of Mallard ducks

Until next time,

Happy Hiking!