Tundra Swans (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

The Tundra Swans are back at their winter home in the Great Marsh of Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge! These magnificent birds are spending the winter in the Great Marsh of Belmont Bay and will leave anywhere from mid February to mid March for their breeding grounds in the tundra of far northern Canada near the Arctic Ocean.

We'll begin our 8 mile hike in Pohick Bay Regional Park, taking the orange trail past Pirates Cove to the Mason Neck connector trail. Once we reach the turnoff from Gunston Rd., we'll take the High Point Trail to Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge. From there we'll take the Woodmarsh Trail to the viewing platform to look for swans. We will do the Woodmarsh Trail loop before we retrace our hike back to Pohick Bay Park. There will be a great view of the bay area and marshes. We'll stop for a short snack break.

I am planning the time at the platform to coincide with high tide for (hopefully) better swan viewing. High tide is estimated at about 10:00am, and the forecast looks good. While there are no guarantees with nature, the park ranger estimates that chances are good on this day and time.

Bio on Elizabeth Hartwell and the Refuge:
https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/herstory-masonneck/

Hike: 8 miles, 400 ft elevation gain. Half the hike is on dirt trails with uneven surfaces and roots, and half is on paved trails.

Pace: 2.5-3 mph while moving. Please make sure you are comfortable with this moderate pace.

Leader: Kris N. (618) 623-2484. Please include your name if you send a text.

Restrooms: There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda where we begin our hike, and restrooms at the Woodmarsh Trail.

Park Fee: No Fee

Dogs; Dogs are welcome in accordance with NVHC dog policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Meet: Meet at EAGLES NEST VERANDA at 8:50am to allow everyone to sign in, use the restroom and start on time at 9:00am.

Meeting Place Instructions:
From Interstate 95 North:

• Take exit 161 to Lorton, Rt. 1 N.
• Go about 1.8 miles to first stop light and turn right on to Gunston Rd.
• Go about 3.2 miles on Gunston Rd to park entrance on left.
• Drive straight into the park all the way down to the marina area.

From Interstate 95 South:

• From I95 S, exit 163 to Lorton.
• Left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp.
• Go under second overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St. (You will see Amazon Fresh and Panera)
• Go about 1.1 mile to traffic light at RT. 1.
• Go straight through light (road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 3.2 miles to park entrance on left.
• Drive straight into the park all the way down to the marina area.

Make sure to go past the Pohick Bay Golf Course and Meadowood Stables on Gunston Rd. Turn left on Pohick Bay Drive, at the park entrance. After entering the park, go straight down the road to the marina area. When you get to the Eagle’s Nest, there is a parking lot just around the loop. Park there and walk across to the Eagles Nest where we will meet at 8:50am so we can get everyone checked in and start on time. There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda. GPS: 38.67467, -77.16711