tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22036962591497022962024-03-13T06:03:46.377-04:00Turduckenmostly hikesEve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.comBlogger1336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-4902805872561233412024-03-05T12:45:00.000-05:002024-03-05T12:45:00.691-05:00Froggy Hollow and Hard Cider<p>This hike traveled two trails new to me, plus some familiar ones, but all in an area I already knew, the southeast corner of Little Bennett. </p>
<p>From the Froggy Hollow trailhead, I followed the Froggy Hollow trail all the way to the road, then back to the schoolhouse. I then used the Hard Cider to return to Clarksburg Road. From there, it would be roadwalking to Froggy Hollow, not something you want to do. I used the Kingsley Trail to loop back to the schoolhouse. Then, to get more miles, it was up the Purdum trail to its intersection with Browning Run. Then back down it, and back down Froggy Hollow to the car. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53567676581/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53567676581_4cb19ecf90.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>While it sounds complicated, it was only 5.5 miles total.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-11174982983292756422024-03-05T12:30:00.002-05:002024-03-05T12:30:34.319-05:00Back on the C&O<p>T and I met up with friends to do a hike at the Carderock area. We ended up going west on the C&O to Great Falls, then back.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53567618629/in/datetaken-public/" title="C&O Canal"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53567618629_25976acfec.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="C&O Canal"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>This meant exploring the detour I had skipped last time. It was a higher-quality trail than I expected - not just shuffling along the shoulder of a road. It was decently fenced off, and well graded. </p>
<p>We then returned to the C&O until Great Falls. At the falls itself, the water was high, and well worth the trip to the overlook. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53567618104/in/datetaken-public/" title="C&O Canal"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53567618104_1cd0d7b11c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="C&O Canal"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>We followed the same route back, doing a little over 8 mile total.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-90377283479414061832024-02-20T21:09:00.001-05:002024-02-20T21:09:26.396-05:00Last bit of Ten Mile Creek Trail<p>I had hiked nearly all of the Ten Mile Creek Trail, except for maybe a quarter mile in the middle. So last weekend I did a six-mile round-trip to get it.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53542412518/in/datetaken-public/" title="Ten Mile Creek trail"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53542412518_995edc336e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ten Mile Creek trail"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>There is nothing particularly special about that bit, just south of the Osprey Heights trail, but it's a nice trail overall. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53542659495/in/datetaken-public/" title="Ten Mile Creek trail"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53542659495_75f0618499.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ten Mile Creek trail"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Unusally, because of the weather, there were no bikes out. In fact, I saw no one on my way out. (I didn't even get started that early - it was 9:45!)</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-43494954267870952112024-02-16T18:00:00.001-05:002024-02-16T18:00:00.144-05:00Trek on the west side of the Black Hill park<p>For a long hike in February, I wanted to explore the new-ish Danger Noodle Trail. It starts in the northwest corner of Black Hill Regional Park, and it is designed primarily for cyclists.</p>
<p>I started at the Cool Spring trailhead and headed downhill. After connecting briefly to the Ten Mile Creek trail, I chose to follow the northern side of the Danger Noodle loop west. This is a pleasant little section on top of a ridge, with modest views of the valley below. In summer, these would be obscured by leaves. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53525701844/in/datetaken-public/" title="Black Hill-Ten Mile-Bucklodge"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525701844_a808e33cbb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Hill-Ten Mile-Bucklodge"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>From there, I took the Jewelweed connector to the Whistle Pig loop, which circumnavigates a cornfield. Yes, I chose the shortest side, since it's not an interesting trail. Then I took the Bucklodge trail around the conservation area. When visiting a year ago, I said it was not a very interesting loop, and I stand by it. There is nothing <i>bad</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>about it - if you want to want around in a mostly flat circle* in the woods, it is there for you. But it's also, well, a flat circle in the woods.</p>
<p>I returned via the same side of Whistle Pig, then Jewelweed, then the south side of Danger Noodle. A good portion of this is close to some houses, and there is a lot of litter and trash in that section. It could benefit from a cleanup. As it travels east, it goes back into the woods and is cleaner.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53525559143/in/datetaken-public/" title="Black Hill-Ten Mile-Bucklodge"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525559143_05c1b99272.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Hill-Ten Mile-Bucklodge"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>I finished up via the Ten Mile Creek and Cool Spring trails, for a total of ten miles.</p>
<p>It was a nice hike for a local training hike - it's not one I would recommend traveling great distances to do. I was primarily intrigued by the idea of connecting these trails together. Bucklodge is as far as you can go with that; it has a couple of small connectors to streets around it, but that's it.</p>
<p>*That's topographically, not geometrically.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-18487236362074077652024-01-29T17:33:00.005-05:002024-01-29T17:33:00.144-05:00Gravel turnpikesThis weekend was forecast to be solid rain, but Sunday ended up giving us a break. Of course, the previous night's rain on top of previous rain on top of snowmelt meant everything was wet, wet, wet. I opted to take advantage of the weather without tromping through the mud by heading over to Little Bennett Regional Park, where a couple of old gravel roads make for reasonably dry hiking.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53493999071/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53493999071_6ba4af636b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>My plan was to do the Western Piedmont Trail, round-trip, but it was shorter than I thought. Thus, I added on Prescott Road and part of the Kingsley Trail. As old roads, these are probably the flattest trails in the park.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53494413155/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53494413155_42a739db66.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>With the water very high, I was glad for stout bridges - there were no wet stream crossings. And the trails themselves were damp, but generally not muddy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-37372092697909115822024-01-28T17:33:00.001-05:002024-01-28T17:33:19.458-05:0010 miles in the snow<p>I am trying to up my mileage and endurance this year to what it used to be, so one of my goals is to do at least one hike of 10 or more miles each month. For January, that ended up meaning doing 10 miles in the snow. The roads were clear at that point, so I chose a hike that was nice and flat - the C&O Canal from Great Falls.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53494036921/in/datetaken-public/" title="Great Falls"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53494036921_e8d13ae4c4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Great Falls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>I intended to go east towards DC for five miles, then turn around. A few miles in, though, I hit a detour and turned around. Back at the start, I went west, which was less traveled. I looped back on the River Trail - not flat but well worth it for the views of the icy Potomac. However, I still ended up having to kill about a mile by touring around the parking lot and visitor's center. Full disclosure, I was wiped out!</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53494337324/in/datetaken-public/" title="Great Falls"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53494337324_4f9b86afcb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Great Falls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>But it was a beautiful hike and worth seeing in the snow.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53494185683/in/datetaken-public/" title="Great Falls"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53494185683_c113a34d89.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Great Falls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-39380735753733867902024-01-08T20:53:00.003-05:002024-01-08T20:53:40.465-05:00Last hike of the year<p>On the last day of the year, T and I drove to Monocacy Battlefield for a short loop hike on the Worthington Ford Trail. This was our final hike for Hike with PATC in 2023. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53452626485/in/datetaken-public/" title="Monocacy Battlefield"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53452626485_dda0ce57bf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Monocacy Battlefield"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>This was my second time there. Neither of us are Civil War buffs, and the hike itself is not more interesting on its own than similar forests and fields near our house, but it's still a pleasant little walk. It's mostly flat, so it's an easy hike.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-54687663976887957232023-12-13T17:34:00.000-05:002023-12-13T17:34:00.142-05:00A loop in Rock Creek<p>We actually spend more time doing trail maintenance in Rock Creek than hiking it, so for the "other national park" hike as part of Hike with PATC in 2023, we went down to Rock Creek. Our loop started at the Nature Center and went clockwise, for a little over five miles. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53395215046/in/datetaken-public/" title="Rock Creek loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53395215046_4ac8ccf93c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rock Creek loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>On the western side of the park, we started off at Fort Russy, which we have visited before, and then return to the outer loop, spending time on paved trails. Since we never do trail work on paved trails, that section was new to us. We then crossed over to the Valley Trail. Personally, I enjoy the valley trail, since it follows the creek. We then crossed back over, returning to the Nature Center. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53394287067/in/datetaken-public/" title="Rock Creek loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53394287067_c8e6a03d4e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rock Creek loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>We enjoyed nice weather, and a chance to get out without carrying any tools!</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-82991557521464559862023-12-04T05:29:00.001-05:002023-12-04T09:38:33.545-05:00Patapsco Valley State Park<p>Patapsco Valley State Park is a heavily used park on the edge of Baltimore. T had been there before, but not I, so we decided to visit it for Hike with PATC 2023 as our other state park.</p>
<p>The one really unusual thing is that is has a large network of unofficial, unmaintained trails that the park administration is fine with. Usually, parks try to close down most or all unofficial trails. But Patapsco says right on their website that, <a href="https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patapsco.aspx" target="_blank">"We have over 200 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles identified as maintained trails."</span></a> </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53368901888/in/datetaken-public/" title="Patapsco Valley State Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368901888_e402b50382.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Patapsco Valley State Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>In practice, this meant that signs and blazes were very inconsistent, so we did a lot of route-checking as we went along.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53368706581/in/datetaken-public/" title="Patapsco Valley State Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368706581_7cf2d53293.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Patapsco Valley State Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>We set out to do a loop from one of the PATC hiking guides, but we got a late start to our day and did a truncated version. After parking at the Orange Grove area, we crossed the swinging bridge and did a loop on the other side of the Patapso River. It was a pretty hike, and it's definitely a park I'd like to go back to.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-6793616778232268032023-11-10T22:50:00.001-05:002023-11-10T22:50:16.684-05:00Cool Springs Run loops<p>I'm slowly getting to know all the trails in Black Hill Regional Park. The eastern portion is right on the edges of neighborhoods, with lots of entrances; the center has a lot of park infrastructure, like picnic pavilions and boat rentals. The western section has only natural-surface paths and a more remote in feeling than some of the other parts of the park.</p>
<p>The Cool Spring Run section is in the northwest corner. From the parking by the side of the road, the trail heads downhill towards the lake, and from there roughly follows the shore all the way the the southern end of the lake. Along the way, though, there are several loop trails. While Cool Spring Run is used more by cyclists than pedestrians, some of the loops see very little traffic. This was made immediately clear by how crunchy with leaves various segments were!</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53323269449/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cool Spring Run loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53323269449_8bf6b3cf65.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cool Spring Run loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>My most recent hike was 7.5 miles, and while there are no big hills, total elevation gain was close to 900 feet. I started pretty early in the morning, while fog was still rising off the lake. It had cleared off by the time I returned to my car.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53323268804/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cool Spring Run loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53323268804_2d298d7d34.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cool Spring Run loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-66221719940302242752023-11-10T18:00:00.008-05:002023-11-10T18:00:00.164-05:00Into the Paw Paw Tunnel<p>As part of the Hi<a href="https://www.patc.net/PATC/PATC_Challenges/Hike_with_PATC_2023_Challenge.aspx">ke with PATC 2023 challenge</a>, we visited a rather distinctive part of the C&O Canal - the recently reopened Paw Paw Tunnel.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53322950474/in/datetaken-public/" title="Paw Paw Tunnel"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53322950474_87bcc91904.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Paw Paw Tunnel"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>This tunnel was built in a spot where the Potomac is quite sinuous and the hills are tall, so it was easier to tunnel through than going around. The NPS had closed this tunnel for some repairs, but it re-opened this fall.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53322602896/in/datetaken-public/" title="Paw Paw Tunnel"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53322602896_ca81166af0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Paw Paw Tunnel"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>We hiked from the nearest parking lot, through the tunnel to a campsite by the river, and back. There are alternative overland trails, if you prefer not to double back. As we did it, the hike was relatively short, and very flat.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53322950429/in/datetaken-public/" title="Paw Paw Tunnel"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53322950429_0e185f6d70.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Paw Paw Tunnel"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-64604205745157173282023-10-29T16:51:00.009-04:002023-10-29T16:51:00.148-04:00Another loop in Little Bennett Park<p>I returned to Little Bennett Park to the second loop from the PATC Part A book, one that focuses on the southern portion of the park. It first does a loop east of Clarksburg Road, then a loop to the west. The eastern loop was more interesting, in my opinion, but it's solid exercise in both halves - 8.5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53248772518/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett South Loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53248772518_db6467b353.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett South Loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>The schoolhouse, which is pretty close to the road, is one of the highlights.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53247598657/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett South Loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247598657_0185b7ae2c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett South Loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>A short section near the campground was set up as a Halloween attraction.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-63974243811637239572023-10-28T16:47:00.004-04:002023-10-28T16:47:00.147-04:00The easiest peak in the Adirondacks<p>After Cranberry Lake, we wanted an easy hike, and T has been wanting to visit a fire tower. So we took in New York's easiest fire tower - Belfy. While it is uphill, round-trip it is less than a mile.</p>
<p>Views were great, aside from a little smoke from the Canadian wildfires.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53249958055/in/datetaken-public/" title="Belfry Fire Tower"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/53249958055_5bc2161f1b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Belfry Fire Tower"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-8894812298397330862023-10-27T17:30:00.001-04:002023-10-27T17:30:00.136-04:00Attempting the Cranberry Lake 50<p>At the end of September, T and I headed up to the Adirondacks to try to do the Cranberry Lake 50. Our plan was to start in Wanakena and head clockwise, taking five days. We ended up bailing out after four days, at Chair Rock Flow, due to a combination of issues with untested gear, as well as (if I'm being honest) fatigue on my part from not being in shape.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53275079715/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53275079715_fb4c2ec869.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 1"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>However, the trail was beautiful! The temperatures were perfect, and the leaves were beginning to turn. We really want to come back next year and finish it.</p>
<p>The first night, we stayed at Birch's Lakeside. The general store also has a campground, which is primarily used for RVs that stay for the season, but they have a few (paid) tent spots, which you need to reserve in advance. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53274905778/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53274905778_8968cf9157.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 2"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>The second night, we stayed at the Cranberry Lake Campground. It's a ways off the trail (definitely farther than the maps say), and again requires payment.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53273735987/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53273735987_9a7f564557.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 2"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Our third night, we stayed at Curtis Pond. This gorgeous site barely fit our tent. If you're a hammock camper, I don't think there are trees here that work. We were really very relieved to get there and find no one already camped, since we didn't have the energy or daylight to make the next site - or to go back to the previous. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53275108965/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53275108965_f4265ca568.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 4"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Our fourth and final night was spent at Chair Rock Flow. There is room here for quite a few tents, and it's also the last place the water taxi can pick you up. Luckily, it was the rare spot with internet, and we decided to call for a ride out. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53275115240/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 5"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53275115240_d771411b3c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 5"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>At that point, we were ¾ of the way around the lake, but about 30 out of 50 miles complete - the last section takes the long way around the lake.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53275102705/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53275102705_486472d977.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 3"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>People talk about this hike being "flat," but it's only flat relative to the eastern Adirondacks and real mountains. It's not flat like the Batona Trail! While we did that in four days, I would want five or six for Cranberry Lake, at least at my current fitness level.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53274892338/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cranberry Lake day 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53274892338_0ca2121270.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cranberry Lake day 1"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>It is beautiful, however. There are not as many lake views as you might assume from the name - you're often far from the shore - but there are beautiful ponds and nice woods.</p>
<p>Next year, part two!</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-23073546101759792432023-10-11T18:00:00.001-04:002023-10-11T18:00:00.139-04:00Loop in Little Bennett Regional Park<p>My pardon to any entomologists, but usually when a hike advertises "ants" as the big thrill, I don't expect much. So we went into this one not sure what we would get.</p>
<p>This hike was taken from the PATC book for DC area hikes, part A. Overall, it is almost 10 miles (we made it 10 with a slight add-on to the campground). As advertised, there are Alleghany ant mounds, but there is also varied terrain and a few other sights along the way.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53197851508/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53197851508_a4efb15f68.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>However, the ants did turn out to be pretty cool. I like this photo for its sense of scale.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53197628131/in/datetaken-public/" title="Little Bennett Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53197628131_f33f67485b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Bennett Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-53528946652447327622023-10-11T08:00:00.001-04:002023-10-11T08:00:00.147-04:00Return to Riverbend State Park<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53181389161/in/datetaken-public/" title="TVOP at Great Falls"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53181389161_b50abd4740.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="TVOP at Great Falls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>T and I returned to Riverbend State Park to join a group hike with the Venture Out Project. It's still a nice hike, with excellent views of the falls. (Which were flowing much better than the ones at Cunningham State Park.)</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53181829400/in/datetaken-public/" title="TVOP at Great Falls"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53181829400_b5416fda7e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="TVOP at Great Falls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-88431470406952702542023-10-10T21:31:00.004-04:002023-10-10T21:31:55.592-04:00Cunningham Falls State Park<p>In early September, we visited Cunningham Falls State Park, in part for the PATC 2023 challenge. Well, I forgot that late summer is not a great time for water flow. The falls were nearly bone-dry.</p><p>However, we got there early enough to beat the hiking crowds. (We did have to wait in the entrance line.) And the hike was pretty, especially coming back via the cliffs. Overall, it was a short hike, but we got done before the heat got bad.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53192361975/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cunningham Falls"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53192361975_4d71723320.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cunningham Falls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-25644354113113513622023-09-01T17:30:00.001-04:002023-09-05T11:31:24.122-04:00Buchanan State Forest and the abandoned turnpike<p>For another Hike PATC in 2023 hike, we visited Pennsylvania's Buchanan State Forest. It is divided into several discrete parcels, all land donated to the state after forestry companies were done with it. We visited the Sideling Hill area to see the abandoned railway aqueduct.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53141047046/in/datetaken-public/" title="Sideling Hill"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53141047046_83b4709fe8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sideling Hill"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>The hike is a short and flat one, but we ended up making it longer by deciding to hike through one of the three abandoned turnpike tunnels nearby. The abandoned turnpike is not part of the forest but adjacent.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53141046296/in/datetaken-public/" title="Sideling Hill"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53141046296_62416e9059.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sideling Hill"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Overall, a fun hike.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53141046651/in/datetaken-public/" title="Sideling Hill"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53141046651_ea4926a3b6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sideling Hill"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-62343465608801154482023-08-28T17:30:00.002-04:002023-08-28T17:30:00.143-04:00Cowans Gap State Park hike<p>We picked a hot day for this one - a hike around the lake at Cowans Gap, then up the Standing Stone Trail as far as the first overlook.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53139202994/in/datetaken-public/" title="Catskills2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/53139202994_be368bb520.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Catskills2"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-63545665271525402092023-08-28T10:57:00.004-04:002023-08-28T10:57:45.401-04:00Ten Mile Run - the video!<p>This is not turning into a vlog, but I am making a few videos as part of a <a href="https://donorbox.org/hike-for-the-catskills-2022-peer-to-peer-43/fundraiser/eve-proper">fundraiser for the Catskills Center</a>.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53118974805/in/datetaken-public/" title="Catskills1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/53118974805_740ab10cca.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Catskills1"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-69893437026052566942023-07-09T17:28:00.002-04:002023-07-09T17:28:12.572-04:00Black Hill loop hike<p>I am working up to longer hikes again, and so on Saturday I aimed for at least five miles in our local Black Hill park. My route traced one of the lake's northern peninsulas, and so was rather flat.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53034542451/in/datetaken-public/" title="Black Hill loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53034542451_ff71d49560.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Hill loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53035024593/in/datetaken-public/" title="Black Hill loop"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53035024593_a1ace3d09f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Hill loop"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-70912226452460993072023-07-01T16:40:00.001-04:002023-07-01T16:40:10.401-04:00Byrd's Nest #4<p>On our last day in Shenandoah, we got another hike in, only a little more challenging - a loop to Byrd's Nest #4. We started on Rocky Branch, which was surprisingly overgrown, then took the Appalachian Trail to the Neighbor Mountain trail. We followed it to Byrd's Nest #4, one of four day-use shelters. What was supposed to be a mown (I think, based on other photos) field was filled with waist-hike grass, which obscured the trail. But after a lunch break, we plowed through and down Neighbor Mountain back to Skyline Drive and our car.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53012075513/in/datetaken-public/" title="Neighbor Mountain"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53012075513_89350a06d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Neighbor Mountain"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-27596696538750762912023-07-01T16:35:00.001-04:002023-07-01T16:35:12.373-04:00Traces Trail<p>We spent a few days in Shenandoah, and in large part due to the weather only did a little hiking. On one day, I did a solo hike of the Traces Trail, an easy loop around Mathews Arm campground.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53007147327/in/datetaken-public/" title="Traces Trail"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53007147327_20065e7aa4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Traces Trail"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/53008224968/in/datetaken-public/" title="Traces Trail"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53008224968_777744659d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Traces Trail"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-5724265453448301122023-06-06T17:30:00.001-04:002023-06-06T17:30:00.146-04:00Dyke Marsh<p>For the PATC Challenge, any hike on National Trails Day counted, so we took advantage of this to make a Pride-month appropriate visit to a trail that had been on our list for a while - Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. This is a short, one-mile flat trail in Alexandria, starting from the Mount Vernon Trail. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/52953612976/in/datetaken-public/" title="Dyke Marsh"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52953612976_f13224fc44.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dyke Marsh"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>The difficulty level was very low, of course, but we saw wildlife, including a little green snake. Some volunteers were out planting trees, too. At the end of the trail, which is mostly gravel turnpike, is a boardwalk with views of the Potomac.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/52954063478/in/datetaken-public/" title="Dyke Marsh"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954063478_6664b75415.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dyke Marsh"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203696259149702296.post-9570602236373638292023-05-16T17:30:00.031-04:002023-05-16T17:30:00.200-04:00Catoctin Mountain shelters<p>This past weekend we went backpacking in Catoctin Mountain National Park, my first backpacking trip since my move to the DMV. It was T's first backpack, and it was a good intro (or re-intro) for both of us.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/52901660117/in/datetaken-public/" title="Catoctin Mountain Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52901660117_5efd4b9f4d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Catoctin Mountain Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Catoctin is divided into east and west halves, with Camp David sitting in the middle, off-limits to most of us. The most well-known parts of the park are in the eastern half - it's where the views are. On the western side is the northern terminus of the Catoctin Trail, as well as two reservable Adirondack shelters. We reserved shelter 1, although the other was empty during our stay. Shelter 1 is more in the trees, while 2 has a mini-meadow around it. Both have their own privy.</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/52901659987/in/datetaken-public/" title="Catoctin Mountain Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52901659987_4ebfc1f644.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Catoctin Mountain Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Shelter visitors have to camp at Round Meadow, unless of course someone is dropping them off, so there is a natural route of about 3.5 miles to the shelters. Some alternatives could make it longer (and hillier). We chose the easiest route. It was raining on Saturday, so we weren't eager to make it longer than necessary. On Sunday, we came back by almost the same route. There are two spots where two trails are parallel and for a bit, such as the yellow loop, so we enjoy those minor differences. We also enjoyed the sunshine!</p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/turducken/52902390114/in/datetaken-public/" title="Catoctin Mountain Park"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52902390114_1cc8331b38.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Catoctin Mountain Park"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>The trails were mostly well maintained - the trail off of Round Meadow was the most overgrown, unexpectedly. We found the trails pleasant and scenic, crossing streams and passing interpretive areas. </p><p>Next time we head up there, we will spend time in the eastern half, but I think we will do it midweek. On Sunday when we stopped by the visitor's center, it was extremely busy.</p>Eve Properhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.com0