Wanderers,

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas spent hiking on Sugarloaf Mountain. Alas, there is no snow in the cards for Friday (Dec 25), but we’re still dreaming. The forecast is for temps in the mid 60’s (Oy vey!), mostly cloudy, with a small, but distinct chance of rain. The plan is that you should bring some rain gear, even if it ends up staying in your pack. Also, you should wear hiking boots because some of the trails are very pretty—pretty rocky, pretty muddy, and pretty please.

With few bugs and fewer people, there’s no better place close to home to celebrate a natural Christmas. And, oh, those pesky relatives! Bring them along, then walk faster or slower than they do, or just leave them at home. Either way, they’ll finally be out of your hair and you’ll be able to spend some quality time without them. To share the cheer, we’ll do a 9-mile circuitous circuit hike (our 6^th Annual) with about 3,300 ft. of elevation change. At 3.2 blisters (moderate). This is not an easy hike—if you have a hard time climbing hills, don’t do this hike.

Sugarloaf (www.sugarloafmd.com) is the Washington area’s very own monadnock, which is the American Indian word for “mountain that sticks out like sore thumb.” That, in turn, means that you can get great views from a monadnock. Indeed, there are several overlooks with fabulous views on Sugarloaf and we’ll try to not overlook any of them. We’ll eat lunch while enjoying one such view from White Rocks. The mountain is home to a wide variety of trees, wildflowers, and assorted critters. It has an interesting geology and a fascinating history, including being the site of a proposed presidential retreat (before Camp David), and being the inspiration for a wrong Wright, pre-Guggenheim corkscrew edifice. More about that when we’re hiking.

Bring a couple of quarts of water, a bag lunch, and any leftover holiday treats to share. If you’ve been good, hot toddy will be supplied. We’ll meet at 10 am to carpool from the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Kiss & Ride (http://goo.gl/Lvp6uQ). Parking at the trailhead is very limited, so carpooling is important. Leaders are Vicky Hsu and me. Metro Kiss & Ride.

Photo album from our last wandering on the Antietam Battlefield: www.goo.gl/rDlYbt .

Holiday Cheers,
Mike