Wilderness First Aid. This sixteen-hour class includes classroom study, hands-on practice, and results in a two-year certification. The cost is $125. Registration is limited to 25 people.

See course description and print registration from http://wfa.net/ Contact: Christopher Tate (703) 836-8905.

Outdoor Leadership Workshop & Hike. For new and established outdoor leaders, this workshop and day hike discusses Leadership Types, Setting People Up For Success, and Modeling Behavior. It covers 8 miles and 1,500 feet of climb at a moderate pace in Shenandoah National Park Instructor: Christopher Tate (703) 836-8905.

Land Navigation Class. A three-day event featuring classroom study in the use of topographical maps and compass, with practical hands-on outdoor exercises using basic tools of land navigation. See course description and print registration from http://webmentor.com/mwrop/welcome.html Limited to 25 people. Contact: Mike Gingerich (703) 590-3188.

Backpacking Basics. Covers the most important aspects of backpacking. Topics include: Gear - boots & socks, fitting boots, clothing types and layers, packs, tents, sleeping bags & pads, raingear, stoves & fuel, and more. See course description and print registion from http://webmentor.com/mwrop/backpack.html Instructor: Ted Fryberger (410) 312-2982.

Ski-Dance Weekend. Join us as we cross-country ski in the Laurel Highlands of western PA. At night we will folk dance (Contra and English). Free cross-country ski and dance instruction; bring your two left feet! Full children's program provided. Cost: $142 Adults, children $55; includes meals, lodging, music, and instruction! Event is co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington and PATC. For more information call Bob Mathis at 301-589-7539.

 

Anytime: Cross Country Ski Trips. We will ski locally when there is enough snow. A trip to Western Maryland and western Pennsylvania to be arranged sometime in January or February. For details call Jack, 410-256-3963.

New Year"s Day Hike. Short 4-5 mile hike in Oregon Ridge Park. Meet at the Nature Center Parking Lot at 12:30 pm. John, 410-752-0104.

25th Annual New Year's Day Hike along C & O Towpath. Rated B.Start the New Year right with a 10 mile walk along the Towpath. Meet at Wisconsin Ave at Canal, south of M Street in Georgetown at 9:30 am (2:30, Greenwich Mean Time for you slugabeds). We will walk along the Towpath to the Little Falls Pumping Station, enjoy whatever mast, browse, or other comestibles you've brought along, and return to Georgetown. Leader: Walter Wells 202-362-0250, mornings or evenings before 10 pm.

Rockburn Branch Park. Easy 2-mile walk, with optional restaurant lunch afterwards. Depart at 10:00 from the park & ride at the Long Gate Parkway exit off Rt. 100, just east of Rt. 29. Call Sue at 301-498-8462.

Midweek Hike. For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

Dogwood Training Hike #1. Rated G.15+ mile circuit hike 3,000' elevation change. From fish hatchery over Buzzard Rock and back via Elizabeth Furnace. Meet at Oakton Shopping Center at 7:30. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Co-Leaders: William Needham 703-256-6735 and Jack Thorsen 703-339-6716

Greenbelt Park. Hike 5 easy miles through woods along creeks. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 10:00 from "bus" side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Brokenland Parkway. Call Nelson at 301-497-9960
price.nelson@epamail.epa.gov

Get/Stay-Fit Half-Day Hike 5. Rated C- D. Circuit hike in Rock Creek Park, 8 miles with optional addition. Metro accessible. Meet at 9 am. Leader: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.

C & O Canal. Rated B. Easy 8.5 miles from Anglers Inn to Swain's Lock and return via towpath and Berma Road. Optional discussion of historic events along this portion of canal for those interested. Leader: Paul Kovenock 703-525-5221.

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G.For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

Thornton River Trail, Northern SNP. Rated D. A moderate to fast 8 mile circuit hike with about 1500' of climb to the Thornton, Hull School, and Piney Branch Trails. Limited to 12 people. Co-Leaders David Cheng and Ted Conwell. Contact: Ted Conwell 301-589-1513 (before 9pm).

McKeldin Hike. Moderate 6 miles in the McKeldin area of Patapsco State Park. Expect ice and/or snow on the trails. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Rt. 32 and I-70 Park & Ride at 10:00 am. Kolman, 410-356-4655.

Big Schloss, GWNF, VA. Rated D. A moderately paced 11 mile hike to Big Schloss. Bring lunch, water, and extra warm clothes! Limited to 12 hikers. Co-Leaders Christopher Tate and John Oster. Contact: John Oster (410) 535-9682.

Blockhouse Point. Rated B. 2.5 hours through woods and along towpath (Violette's Lock to Pennyfield's Lock). Meet at 8.30 am at small shopping center at MacArthur Blvd. and Goldsboro Blvd., Glen Echo, MD (end of a bus line) Leader: Ernie Bauer, (301)-469-6726.

Hike through 3 states at Harpers Ferry, along the C&O canal to Split Rocks and Jefferson Rocks. This 7 mile hike offers several spectacular overlooks of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Bagel Bin in the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center before a 10:00 departure. Call Ken at 301-725-3306. kclark@excalib.com

19 TUE

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G. For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

Circuit Hike, Northern SNP, VA. Rated D.This 5 mile hike includes a strenuous uphill climb to the summit of The Peak and about 4,000' of elevation change. Limited to 12 people. Co-Leaders Maureen Benway and Caroline Brosius. Contact: Caroline Brosius 703-516-2506.

Cedar Run-Robertson Mtn, Central SNP, VA. Rated G. A 12 mile circuit hike with many hills, some good views, and a visit to Crescent Rocks. Best for strong hikers. Co-Leaders Frank Wodarczyk and Minot Clements. Contact: Minot Clements 703-532-6474.

Great Falls Hike. 4 mile leisure pace to the Falls. Bring water and a snack. Dinner stop after the hike. Bill or Cecilia, 410-574-1453.

Wincopin Trail in Savage Park. Easy 4 mile walk, along the Middle and Little Patuxent Rivers. Meet in the parking lot off Vollmerhausen Road at 10:00. Optional restaurant lunch afterwards. Call Sue at 301-498-8462.

Get/Stay-Fit Half-Day Hike 6. Rated B-C. Potomac-side circuit hike, 8 miles with optional addition. Metro accessible. Meet at 9 am. Leader: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.

Dirck's Semi-Annual C & O Canal Hike & Birdwatching Trip. Rated C. 10 mile hike/walk from Great Falls up along the C & O Canal & back. This will be a repeat of the famous 1994 sunbathing & tanning event! Meet at 10:00 in the lower parking lot at Great Falls National Park on the Maryland side. Leader: Dirck Harris 703-787-3330 before 9:00 eves.

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G. For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

Deadline for the March-April Calendar. Please send submissions to Sierra Club Calendar, c/o Dirck Harris, 1602 Poplar Grove Drive, Reston, VA 20194, or via Internet (preferred) at dirckh51@mnsinc.com.

Hazel Country, Central SNP, VA. Rated F. A 10 mile hike with about 2000 feet of climb on the east side of the park. For experienced hikers only. Limited to 20 people. Hike will meet 7:30 am. Leader: Christopher Tate (703) 836-8905.

White Oak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park. A strenuous 9 mile hike, featuring several ice-covered waterfalls in a hemlock gorge. Bring lunch, water, and good hiking shoes. Depart at 7:30 AM from the "bus" side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Brokenland Parkway. Sign up in advance, with Leslie at 301-854-0299 lesliee@bellatlantic.net

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G. For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

Susquehanna State Park Hike. Eight mile, moderately fast paced hike over fairly rugged terrain. Some climbing of hills. Water and lunch snack recommended. Hiking boots advised. Scenic views. Dinner stop optional afterwards. Depart White Marsh Park & Ride at 11:00 am. Bob, 410-337-8736 (home) or 410-247-9520 (work).

Get/Stay-Fit Half-Day Hike 7. Rated C-D. Another circuit hike in Rock Creek Park, 8 miles with optional addition. Metro accessible. Meet at 9 am. Leader: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.

C & O Canal Towpath. Rated C. Moderate 13 mile hike from Swain's Lock to Riley's Lock (Seneca) milepost 16.5 to 23, and return. Optional discussion of historic events along this portion of canal for those interested. Leader: Paul Kovenock 703-525-5221.

Louise Cosca Nature Center Hike. Eight mile hike around Clearwater Nature Center in Cosca Regional Park. Bring lunch and water. Depart Southwest Park & Ride at 9:00 am. Kolman, 410-356-4655.

Patapsco Valley State Park, Hilton and Orange Grove areas. Hike 7 miles, to the Buzzard Rock outcrop, over the swinging bridge, and along a cascading stream. Bring lunch and water. Meet inside the park entrance off Hilton Avenue, at the first parking lot on the right, at 10:30. Call Ken at 301-725-3306 kclark@excalib.com

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G. For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

Inner Harbor Promenade Walk. Follow the brick path around beautiful Baltimore Harbor from the Visionary Arts Museum to Fells Point and back. About 8 miles. Brief stop for coffee and bagels available or bring your own. Meet at the Visionary Arts Museum at 8:30 am. Carroll, 410-828-0048.

Massanutten Mountain Dogwood Training Hike #2. Rated G. 15+ mile circuit hike with 3,000' elevation change. Signal Knob, Three Top Mountain and Mudhole Gap Trail. Meet at Oakton shopping center at 7:30. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Co-Leaders: William Needham 703-256-6735 and Jack Thorsen 703-339-6716.

Big Schloss, GWNF. Rated D.12 mile moderate to strenuous cold weather hike will only go in good weather conditions (snow or rain = no go). Spectacular views. Limited to 20 people.Leader: Dirck Harris 703-787-3330 eves. until 9:00.

Ramsey's Draft Backpacking Trip. Two days backpacking in Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area. Hike 8-10 miles per day in a virgin hemlock forest. Meet at Park & Ride at Route 32 and I-70 at 6:00 am. Joel, 410-549-6568.

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G. For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181.

White Oak Canyon, Central SNP, VA. Rated H. Strenuous 10 mile circuit hike with about 2,100' of climb, via the Cedar Run Trail and White Oak Canyon Trail and fire road. Be prepared for snow and icy conditions. Co-Leaders Maggie Chan and Caroline Brosius. Contact: Caroline Brosius 703-516-2506.

Piney Run Park. Easy 5 mile walk around the lake. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 10:00 from the park & ride just north of I-70 on Rt. 32. Call Sue at 301-498-8462.

Get/Stay-Fit Half-Day Hike 8. Rated B.Mall-centered circuit hike, 8-10 flat miles, followed by optional end-of-hike-series lunch at Eat First. Metro accessible. Meet at 9 am. Leader: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.

Midweek Hike. Rated F/G.For strong hikers who enjoy a vigorous workout on beautiful mountain trails. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

Longwood Gardens, Wilmington, DE. Rated A. Get preview of spring in the indoor conservatories filled with flowering plants of many varieties, and stroll through outdoor gardens with huge variety of trees. Bring $45 for admissions, carpooling, & meals; 125 mile drive each way; lunch at Longwood; probable supper on return; estimated return 9:30 pm; reservations NOT needed. Meet 8:30 am at Montgomery Mall under deck. Outing will be canceled if driving/weather conditions especially inclement; if in doubt, call Friday before 10 pm or Sat. after 7am. Leader: Pat Hopson 703-379-1795 eves. before 10pm.

Rock Creek Park Hike. Moderately civilized 8 or 10 mile circuit hike through woods and along Rock Creek. Remains of Civil War fortifications and earthworks that circle Washington. Depart Southwest Park & Ride at 8:30 am
Joyce, 410-254-7240.

Rose River hike in Shenandoah National Park. A 10 mile hike which includes some bushwhacking. Bring lunch, water, and good hiking shoes. Depart at 7:30 AM from the "bus" side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Brokenland Parkway. Sign up in advance, with Leslie at 301-854-0299 lesliee@bellatlantic.net

Celebrate The End Of Winter. And overcome cabin fever at the same time. Class 1/2 whitewater. Start the canoeing season with 8.8 miles on Antietam Creek, from Rt. 68 to Burnside Bridge. Life jackets, "dry bags" w/change of clothing a must. Contact: Jim Finucane (301) 365-3485 before 10:00 pm for details.

Pre-Spring Leg and Foot Workout. Rated G. Circuit hike on the Mount Vernon Trail, Fort Hunt Park, and adjoining areas; 18-20 mostly asphalt miles. Leader: Paul Elliott (703) 256-6351.

Cederville State Forest Hike. Eight mile moderate hike around a fish hatchery. Bring lunch and water. Depart Southwest Park & Ride at 8:30 am. Kolman, 410-356-4655.

Hike 7 miles, over and through the Paw Paw tunnel on the C&O canal. Bring lunch, water, and a flashlight. Depart at 8:30 AM from the park & ride just north of I-70 on Rt. 32. Call Nelson at 301-497-9960 mailto: price.nelson@epamail.epa.gov.

BWI Trail Bike Ride. Circle the BWI airport complex by bicycle. Easy 2 hour bike ride of approximately 12 miles. Depart Southwest Park & Ride at 1:30 pm. Jim, 410-719-1429.

Antietam Battlefield Hike. Moderate 8 miles through the historic battlefield and along Antietam Creek. Bring lunch and water. Admission fee for the information center. Please call for the meeting place and time. Carroll, 410-828-0048.

Baltimore & Annapolis Hike. Fourteen brisk miles from Glen Burnie to just north of Annapolis on the Severn River. Leave MARC Savage Station at 8:00 am. Steve, 410-992-5482.

Locust Point Walking Tour. See Baltimore in the raw on this 2 hour walk around the city's industrial southwest shore. Optional luncheon at a local restaurant. PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR LUNCH BY FEBRUARY 19th (Cost should be under $10.00). For info call Joyce, 410-254-7240.

Patapsco River Hike. Hike from River Road in Sykesville to Marriottsville Road. About 4 hours. Meet at Park & Ride at route 32 and I-70 at 9:00 am. Joel, 410-549-6568.

Gunpowder River Hike. Moderate 6 or 7 mile hike below the Prettyboy Dam. Meet at Park & Ride on Deerco Road near Padonia Road at 11:00 am. Jack, 410-256-3963.

Catoctin National Forest Hike. Eight mile moderate pace up hills and through three vista overlooks. Bring lunch and water. Depart Park & Ride at Route 32 and I-70 at 9:00 am. Kolman, 410-356-4655.

Introductory Hike. Short hike of about 4 miles along the Gunpowder River with a few hills and stream crossings. Perfect for new hikers or out of shape veteran hikers. Bring water! We can make an optional, inexpensive lunch stop afterwards. Meet at 10:00 am at the Bridge parking lot on Belair Road. Joyce, 410-254-7240.

Blackwater Bike Ride. A 25 mile loop of the Blackwater Refuge by bicycle at a moderate cycling pace. Breakfast and dinner stops. Depart Southwest Park & Ride at 7:30 am. Jim, 410-719-1429.

Kelly Run & Pinnacle Hike. Moderate 7 to 8 miles with good views of the Susquehanna River. Meet at Kmart on Belair Road just north of the beltway at 10:00 am. Jack, 410-256-3963.

Chincoteaque Bike & Hike Weekend. Come see the beauty of the Bay, marvels of the marsh, and awesome ocean. Bike the Wildlife Refuge and hike the unspoiled beach. Migrating birds and wild ponies. Advance reservations required. Kathy, 410-828-0048.

Mariner Point Canoe Trip. Paddle up the Gunpowder River to the first falls and around Days Cove. Meet at Mariner Point Park at 10:00 am. Joel, 410-549-6568.

Day's Cove Canoe Trip. Full moon canoe trip at Day's Cove. No beginners and only children over 12 years old. Bring water. A small fee will be charged. Reservations must be made by April 24. Limit 30. Kolman, 410-356-4655.

Fort Delaware & Fort Mott. See Fort Delaware from the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. Tour Fort Mott in New Jersey and then take the tour boat ride out to Fort Delaware. Dinner stop enroute home. Estimated arrival back home is 8:30 pm. Depart LRHS at 8:00 am. Jim, 410-719-1429.

Gettysburg Horseback Ride. Repeat of last year's battlefield ride. Two hour guided tour is limited to 10 people. Must be over 18 years and under 240 pounds. Deadline for payment of $42.00 per person is April 29th. Optional late lunch or early dinner afterwards. For info call Joyce, 410-254-7240.

Gunpowder River Sunset Hike. Easy 2 miles along the River. Meet at the parking lot on Belair Road and the River at 7:00 pm. Jack, 410-256-3963.

Pick up tubing at any time throughout the Summer: Hot, sultry, over 90 days are best for tubing the Gunpowder River. Water temperature hovers in the 60's. All you need is a tube (rentals are available), old sneakers, and a tolerance for cold water. Call to make arrangements. Joyce, 410-254-7240.

C & O Canal Bike Ride. Twenty five mile bike ride along the historic C&O Canal towpath at a moderate riding pace. Breakfast stop. Depart Giant Plaza at 8:00 am. Jim, 410-719-1429.

Little Bennett Regional Park Hike. Six mile, moderately paced hike. Bring lunch and water. Depart Park & Ride at Route 32 and I-70 at 8:30 am. Kolman, 410-356-4655.

Gunpowder Tubing Trip. Bring a tube or rent one. Meet at Monkton Station at 11:00 am. Jack, 410-256-3963.

Loch Raven Reservoir Hike. 6 mile hike around the reservoir with hills and stream crossings. Bring water and a snack. Depart Carver Center for the Arts at 9:00 am. Kolman, 410-356-4655.