Hello Solemates!

There are several things coming down the trail pike (trike) in rapid succession, so please pay close attention. This Sunday (Jul 6), we’re again heading to Shenandoah National Park for yet another hike involving waterfalls and swimming holes. If you missed our last hike, I feel bad for you because it was spectacular, but this is you chance to make up for it.

The Mathews Arm/Overall Run hike (another perennial favorite) will be a moderate to fast-paced one of 9.7 mi. with 1800 ft. elev. pain...I mean, gain. It’s difficultly moderate at 3.5 blisters, with significant uphills. (Most hills go up.) Bring two or more quarts of water and a bag lunch, and rain gear in case of you-know-what. Hiking boots are recommended. If you plan to take a dip, you can bring swimsuits and Tevas if you like, but I’ve found that running around in a tight little circle very fast for 43 minutes afterwards is a very effective way to dry your clothes, especially if it’s not raining, although you may want to take into consideration the fact that it will be after lunch so you should keep the bag part of your lunch handy.

This is a Potomac Region Outings (www.sierrapotomac.org) event led by Janet Conley and myself. To carpool, meet at 8:30 am at Vienna Metro station, north parking lot. If you are a novice or not sure you can do this hike, contact me ([address removed]; [masked]).

Cheers,

Mike

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For details on the following, see Wandering Soles’ calendar (http://hiking.meetup.com/347/), or just wait:

- Sun. July 13 (3-6 PM). Special Social Event Commemorating 30+ years of MWROP/SCPRO outings. No blisters, but possible burps.

- Sat. July 19. Sunset/Moonlight Hike to Hawksbill in Central SNP with potluck din-din. By reservation only due to limited attendance. About 3 blisters and possible burps.

- Sun. July 27. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hereford Area. Includes swimming lunch spot. About 4 blisters and possible cramps.

- Sat. Aug. 16. Sunset/Moonlight Hike to Little Stony Man in Central SNP with potluck din-din. By reservation only due to limited attendance. About 2 blisters and possible burps.

- Fri.–Mon. Aug. 29–Sep. 1. Natural Wonders of Eastern West Virginia. Sorry, but this is sold out.