Are You Tough Enough to Beat the Tide?

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Come hike, run, and/or bike the northernmost 7-mile-long pristine beach of Assateague Island, mainly on hard-packed sand during low tide. Not only is this one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, but it's also a "secret" natural beach that is virtually deserted even on the most crowded summer days. (Except for wild ponies, perky birds, and big whelk shells.) In full disclosure, this is a largely unscouted hike and it will be a challenge to cover all 14 miles round trip during low tide, when it's easiest to walk. But you can certainly hike on the soft sand during the return leg, if necessary -- and you can turn around early if you like.

So if you're an experienced hiker and beach lover who is seeking a final summer blast, you love a free-spirited adventure, you can carry enough water, and you can want to arrange your own carpooling and accommodations (camping at Assateague, a hotel in nearby Berlin, Ocean City, etc.), please contact the co-leaders for details. Barbara Saffir: barb22030 AT yahoo DOT com; Barbara Southworth: blsouth AT verizon DOT net

IMPORTANT NOTES: (1) If you arrive Saturday, you can rent your own kayak at Assateague - http://www.mdcoastalbays.org/rentals - Tentative plan is to arrive at 10:00 for 10:30 launch, or make your own plans.

OR just enjoy the beach and the ponies. (2) This hike is STRENUOUS and for adults only. (3) Rain cancels trip. (4) Bring essentials, including a day's worth of water, bug spray, sunblock, hat, etc. (5) Contact co-leaders for exact meeting place details. Ignore Meetup's many map glitches. (6) SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. You can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club's site: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia

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