Hike a little, talk a little, picnic little, talk a little/Cheap-cheap-cheap, talk a lot, picnic little more
(Apologies to music man Meredith Wilson)

It’s been exactly 67,628 minutes since my last email and I couldn’t go another minute without sending this another one out. We (the peasant “we”) have been very busy with two (count ‘em) backpacking classes, a wilderness first aid class (I took, didn’t give), and a wonderful trip to Acadia National Park. (More about the last item below.) But, we’re back on track for the next while.

First up, this Sunday is the annual One Day Hike Celebration Hike and Picnic at Carderock, MD, this Sunday, June 22, 2014, at 9:30 am (hike) and noonish (picnic). This hike and picnic have become an annual social tradition. They are free (cheap-cheap-cheap) and open to all, and you may join us for either or both. ODH hikers and volunteers from past, present, and future years are invited, along with family and friends, and innocent bystanders. Our special thanks go to all the volunteers that help make the ODH a success. If you are new to hiking, this is a great way to make a...er, I mean, the scene. Get to know what’s what and what’s not what, whatever that may mean. Meet other hikers during an easy hike, or while relaxing and eating.

HIKE: Meet at 9:30 am for an out-and-back hike of up to 9 miles (1.8 blisters, or easy) along the C&O Canal towpath to/toward Great Falls. You set your own pace, and determine the distance by your turnaround point. The leaders are Carol Ivory and myself. (Don't expect bike patrols, support stations, or a first-aid team for this hike!) Bring water (1-2 quarts) and bug repellent. Directions to the meeting place are below. The forecast is for a high of 80 (nice!), and cloudy with a small chance of rain.

PICNIC: After noon, gather at the picnic pavilion near the hike’s starting point. (Directions are below.) We’ll provide hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, trimmings, bread, chips, and nonalcoholic beverages, along with paper and plastic ware; you may bring appetizers, side dishes, or desserts, with required serving utensils. (No alcoholic beverages, please.) To save a little bit of the world, please consider bringing your own washable plates, cups, and eating utensils. The picnic is rated at 2.3 burps, but it really depends on how much of what you eat.

Directions to the hike start and picnic location: From I-495 (Beltway), take Exit 41, Clara Barton Parkway west (Carderock), just north of the American Legion Bridge. After 0.6mi, take first exit (ramp on right). At top of ramp, turn left (Naval Surface Warfare Center is on the right), crossing over the parkway, and follow the short, curvy road (0.3mi) as it passes under the C&O Canal to its end. Turn left and park in the lot where the picnic pavilion is. The exact location is here, www.goo.gl/T1t2eZ. (For some reason the Google & GPS address is 9500 MacArthur Blvd, even though it is off Clara Barton.)

Pix from last two year’s hike & picnic:
- 2012: www.goo.gl/Bkk3Hx
- 2013: www.goo.gl/Z4D2MY

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Our trip to Acadia National Park turned out to be a very memorable affair with great weather, spectacular views, challenging trails, cozy cabins, and a terrific group of hikers. Here are some photos of the hikers and some scenery (www.goo.gl/QZNMYd & www.goo.gl/KF7k7H), and of the individual hikes we did:

- St. Sauveur & Flying Mtns Hike, and Ship Harbor Trail Hike (2 blisters): www.goo.gl/uImc3u
- Dorr & Cadillac Mtns Hike (3.7 blisters), & Thunder Hole: www.goo.gl/l8zjrr
- Beehive & Gorham Mtn Hike (2.4 blisters): www.goo.gl/VYXVCp
- Coast Walk Hike (1.3 blisters): www.goo.gl/Pdv0Qn
- Bubbles & Lakes Hike (3.6 blisters): www.goo.gl/xe2kho
- Penobscot & Sergant Mtns Hike (3.1 blisters): www.goo.gl/870m6R

It really was a nice as it looks.

Cheers,
Mike