Abbreviations:

AT = Appalachian Trail

SNP = Shenandoah National Park

GWNF = George
Washington National Forest

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.

Basic Rock Scrambling for Hikers. This practical hands-on half day class will provide hikers the fundamentals of route finding and safe movement over rock hazards and obstacles encountered in alpine and rocky environments. Will include scrambling with the use of hands and feet, and elementary climbing techniques. Class at Great Falls Park, VA. Limited to 8 people. Instructor: Tony Sanders (202) 362-3819.

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 registration from <http://webmentor.com/mwrop/backpack.html> Instructor: Ted Fryberger (410) 312-2982.

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.

Joint Sierra Club/PATC/NPS Service Trips, Rock Creek Park. 2nd and 4th Sat. Mornings of each month. 4th Sat. in March only. 4th Sat.'s are rain dates, July, Aug. & Sept. Meet at Rock Creek Park Nature Center off Military Road on Glover Road, NW DC, at 8:15 am. Bring work gloves. Tools provided by Park Service. Work planned to be completed 11:30 am. Leader: Walter Wells (202) 362-0250, morn. or eves. before 10:00 pm. Dates may change; call to confirm.

Help build a new trail in Rock Creek Park! Leader: Walter Wells (202) 362-0250, morn. or eves. before 10:00 pm. Dates may change; call to confirm.

Log Shelter Construction. Join volunteers in building a log shelter and foundation. This shelter will eventually be relocated to a recreational hiking area. No prior experience or tools necessary. See dates below. Contact: Frank Turk (301) 249-8243 before 9 pm or FrankTurk@aol.com. DATES: March 20, 21, 27 - April 3, 10, 24, 25 - May 1, 2

Beginners Backpack, Massanutten Mountain. Children (accompanied by responsible adults) are most welcome, as always. Group cooking (on a wood fire ) for dinner. We visit Elizabeth Furnace and carry our gear 40 minutes, dayhike from our campsite. Leader: Ernie Bauer (301) 469-6726 or Ernestbaue@aol.com.

Beginners Backpack, Massanutten Mountain. Children (accompanied by responsible adults) are most welcome, as always. Group cooking (on a wood fire ) for dinner. We visit Elizabeth Furnace and carry our gear 40 minutes, dayhike from our campsite. Leader: Ernie Bauer (301) 469-6726 or Ernestbaue@aol.com.

Advanced Beginners Backpack. Massanutten Mtn. - Duncan Hollow-Duncan Knob (good views!). The trail detours past a beaver dam. Rattlesnakes are optional! Children (accompanied by responsible adults) are most welcome, as always. Group cooking (on a wood fire ) for dinner. Leader: Ernie Bauer (301) 469-6726 or Ernestbaue@aol.com.

Memorial Day Weekend. Swamp canoeing, canoe camping. Tell me your interests - bird watching (herons, eagles, etc) at Nanjemoy Creek, Charles County, Maryland - also colonial history at Port Tobacco; this would be a one-day trip. Alternative- Merchants Millpond, North Carolina - long drive, 3-day trip, a beautiful cypress swamp - ticks and poison ivy come with the territory. On either trip you must bring your own canoe (and children, as appropriate). Leader: Ernie Bauer (301) 469-6726 or Ernestbaue@aol.com.

Vigorous Midweek Hike. Classic Old Rag Mtn and White Oak Waterfalls 16-mile circuit hike with two long climbs. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

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 8:30am from Park & Ride just north of i_70 on Route 32. Call Nelson at (301) 497-9960. Email price.nelson@epamail.epa.gov

Broad Hollow-White Rock Cave, SNP, VA. A 10 mile hike with 2,600' of ascent, several stream crossings, and a 1 mile bushwhack along the Hazel River. For experienced hikers; limited to 16 people. Hike meets at 7:30 am. Leader: Christopher Tate (703) 836-8905.

100K Training Hike #2. Circuit hike of 24 miles on trails in Prince William Forest Park. (This is second of nine weekly training hikes for the "100K," an annual 100-kilometer day hike on C&O Canal towpath from Washington, D.C., to Harpers Ferry, this year on May 1; first training hike, rated G, is on Feb. 28--see Jan.-Feb. calendar.) Leader: Gary Chow (703) 356-8423.

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

Vigorous Midweek Hike. 18 miles circuit south from Rt 55 on the VA/W.VA border to Waites Run, then north on Tuscarora Trail along ridge of Great North Mtn. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

Great Falls VA. A scenic 9 miles at a moderate/fast pace. Meet at Great Falls Visitor Center at 10 am. $4 vehicle fee. Leader: Henri Comeau (703) 451-7965 or <hankcomeau@aol.com>. Sat. Mar. 13, Rated G. Massanutten Mountain Dogwood Training Hike #3. 15+ mile circuit hike, 3,000'+ elevation change. South along Massanutten west from Fort Powell through Woodstock Gap to Lupton 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.

Antietam Battiefield 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.

100K Training Hike #3. Circuit hike of 20-24 miles on Arlington bike paths. (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Leader: Roger Clark (703) 244-6881.

Oregon Ridge. An easy 5 mile hike in Baltimore County, followed by pancakes. Every March, the park demonstrates the boiling down of maple syrup, which you can sample on pancakes for $4.50 per adult, $2.50 for children 8 and under. Depart at 8:30 am from Long Gate Parkway park & ride, off Rt. 100, just east of Rt. 29. Or meet us at the nature center at 9:30. Call Ken at (301) 725-3306 kclark@excalib.com.

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

Vigorous Midweek Hike. 22 miles up the AT from Rt 55 to Dickey Ridge and then mostly down to Front Royal. Opportunities for bailout on last half as we parallel Skyline Drive. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

Prince William Forest Park. Enjoy opening of spring on this 12.5 mile circuit hike through heart of Prince William Forest Park near the Quantico Marine Corp Base. Our woodland trek follows Quantico Creek through one of the largest hardwood forests left in northern Virginia. Meet 9:30 am at Vienna Metro Station (north side) in Vienna, Virginia off I-66. Leader: Glenn Gillis (703) 430-0568.

Locust Poiut Walking Tour. See Baltimore in the raw on this 2 our walk around the city's industrial southwest shore. Optional luncheon at local restaurant. Please make reservations for lunch by February 19th. (Cost should be under $10). For info call Joyce, (410)-254-7240.

100K Training Hike #4. Circuit hike of 27 miles on Arlington bike paths--the "Arlington Urban Marathon." (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Leader: Gary Chow (703) 356-8423.

Big Schloss Circuit Hike. Vigorous but unhurried 11.8 mile circuit hike on a varied and beautiful trail with some panoramic views. Meet at Oakton Shopping Center at 8:00 am, no advance sign up. Joint outing with Parents without Partners. Leader: Dick Williams (703) 521-0731 before 9 pm.

Old Rag Mountain in Virginia. This strenuous 7.5 mile hike includes boulders, some climbing, and a great view. 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. Call Leslie at (301) 854-0299 lesliee@bellatlantic.net.

Vernal Equinox Hike, Southern PA AT Series #5. 10.5 miles from Caledonia State Park to Old ForgePicnic Area. Meet at 8:30 am at Shady Grove metro parking lot #1 (near entrance gate). Leader: Ray Abercrombie (703) 569-2691 before 10 pm.

Robertson Mtn. Circuit Hike. Almost 5,000 of elevation change in 9 miles. Like steep? This one's for you. Kilimanjaro/cardiovascular system training even. Spectacular view for lunch (you'll earn it). Leader: Dirck Harris (703) 787-3330 eves. before 9.

Patapso River Hike. Hike from River Toad in Sykesville to Marriottsville Road. About 4 hours. Mett at Park & Ride at Route 32 and I-70 at 9 am. Joel, (410) 549-6568.

Due Date for Submissions For The May-June MWROP Calendar. Please e-mail submissions (preferred) to: dirckh51@cais.com. PC-compatible floppies OK, typed submissions acceptable. Mail to: Dirck Harris, 1602 Poplar Grove Drive, Reston, VA 20194.

Fountainhead Regional Park. 10875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax, Va. A moderate/fast paced 9 hilly miles. Meet at first parking lot on right off entrance road at 10 am. Leader: Henri Comeau (703) 451-7965 or hankcomeau@aol.com.

Susquehanna State Park Hike. Five mile hike, easy except for some hills. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 9:00 from the park & ride just north of Rt. 175 on Snowden River Parkway. Call Sue at (301) 498-8462.

MWROP Leaders Spring Meeting. Mark your calendar now! Details will be mailed to leaders and leaders in training. Contact: Christopher Tate (703) 836-8905.

Sharon's Back-To-Visit Hike. 12 mile circuit hike with 3,000' elevation change. Elizabeth

Furnace/Signal knob in GWNF. Meet 7:30 am at Oakton shopping center. Bring ample water, warm clothes, and warm hugs for our ex-hiker Sharon. Leader: Maggie Chan (703) 227-4481 or (703) 917-9886.

100K Training Hike #5. Out-and-back hike of 30 miles on C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield to White's Ferry. (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Co-Leaders: Paul Elliott and Roger Clark. Contact: Paul Elliott (703) 256-6351.

Central Rock Creek Park. Easy 6.5 mile hike with small hills. Meet by 12:55 for 1 pm start at Cleveland Park Metro Station, east side of Connecticut Ave., north of Ordway St. Bring beverage and light snack. Will cancel for snow or ice. Leader: Laura Luftig (703) 931-3977 eves. before 9.

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

Eastern Shore Bicycle. Bike the popular and scenic St. Michaels-Oxford loop which combines a short ferry ride with 29 miles of level terrain. Your bike should be in good running condition, helmets mandatory. Joint outing with Parents without Partners. Leader: Dick Williams (703) 521-0731 before 9 pm.

Wildflower Walk. Leisurely 4 mile walk around the Turkey Run picnic area on the George Washington Parkway. Meet at 10 am in parking area B. Leader: Bill Keasbey (301) 530-5031.

100K Training Hike #6. Circuit hike of 34 miles on Montgomery County back roads and C&O Canal towpath - the "Shadbush Half Hundred." (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Leader: Paul Elliott (703) 256-6351.

Patapsco Valley State Park, Woodstock. A moderate 6 mile hike through woods and along the river. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Bagel Bin in the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center before a 10:00 departure. Call Dave at (410) 461-2510.

Sugarloaf Mountain. This moderate 7 mile hike takes us to a very scenic area that is just a 30 minute drive from the Shady Grove Metro. Meet at 9 am at the Shady Grove metro (west side - nearest to Rockville Pike). Leader: Bob Goldberg (301) 540-2915 before 9 pm.

Possible Hike in N. SNP. Along Jeremys Run - Knob Mtn - Neighbor Mtn. for 17 miles. Call day before to see if leader has out of town house guests. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

"Discover the AT 1999 Series" Introduction. A slow paced, 8.4 mile hike, with about 3,400' of elevation change, from Thornton Gap to Byrds Nest Shelter # 4 and back on historic VA AT. Many stops. Intended as an introduction for new hikers. Limited to 24 people. Hike meets 7:30 am. Please call before 5 pm, April. 8. Leader: Robert Lovisa (301) 593-5360.

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 9am. Kolman, (410) 356-4655.

Massanutten Mountain Dogwood Training Hike #4. 15+ mile linear hike. 3,000'+ elevation change. From Veach's Gap to Camp Roosevelt via Kennedy peak. Meet at Oakton shopping center at 7:30 am. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Co-Leaders: William Needham (703) 256-6735 and Jack Thorsen (703) 339-6716.

Catoctin Mountain Park. Join the Sierra Club on an early spring outing to Catoctin Mtn. Park near Thurmont, MD. Our 9 mile circuit will explore the views from Wolf & Chimney Rocks, as well as beautiful Cunningham Falls. Meet at 9:00 am at Montgomery Mall Hechts (under deck) off Democracy Blvd. Leader: Glenn Gillis (703) 430-0568.

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

AT Maintenance, Northern SNP. Witness Spring unfold as you clean waterbars/checkdams and remove debris from the trail. No prior experience necessary. Leader: Frank Turk (301) 249-8243 or FrankTurk@aol.com.

100K Training Hike #7. Out-and-back hike of 34 miles on Mount Vernon Trail, from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Leader: Gary Chow (703) 356-8423.

Vigorous Midweek Hike. Out and Back hike along Tuscarora Trail north from Hawk Campground in W.VA. Nice trail through old overgrown farm land out at least to Jemima's grave. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

Taxing Hike. From Scotts Run Nature Preserve to Turkey Run Park & return. A moderate to fast paced 9 miles over varied terrain and a stream crossing. Hiking boots recommended. Meet at Scotts Run Preserve parking lot at 10 am. From I-495, exit 13 west (193), Georgetown Pike for-mile (2nd parking lot from I-495). Leader: Henri Comeau (703) 451-7965 or hankcomeau@aol.com.

Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hereford Area. A moderate 7 mile hike along the river to Prettyboy Dam. Crosses several streams, and may be muddy. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 9:00 from the Long Gate Parkway park & ride, off Rt. 100, just east of Rt. 29. Call Leslie at (301) 854-0299 lesliee@bellatlantic.net.

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.

Southern PA AT Series Hike #6. 8 miles from Old Forge Picnic Area to Pen Mar Park. Leader: Ray Abercrombie (703) 569-2691 before 10 pm.

Loudon and Maryland Heights. A 10 mile circuit hike up Loudon Heights, across the Potomac River bridge, west along the canal, and up Maryland Heights to the overlook, returning through Harper's Ferry before finishing at our starting point, the Shenandoah River bridge. Limited to 20 hikers. Leader: Sam Rosenberg (703) 823-7587 before 9 pm.

100K Training Hike #8. Out-and-back hike of 30-35 miles on C&O Canal towpath, from White's Ferry to a turn-around spot upstream. (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Leader: Roger Clark (703) 244-6881.

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

Fast Paced Hike. Carderock to/from Georgetown along Tow Path. We'll buy lunch in Georgetown and picnic along the Canal - 20 miles total. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

Chincoteague 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. Kath, (410) 828-0048.

"Discover the AT 1999 Series" Introduction. A slow paced, 8.4 mile hike, with about 3,400' of elevation change, from Thornton Gap to Byrds Nest Shelter # 4 and back on the historic VA Appalachian Trail. Many stops. Intended as an introduction for new hikers. Limited to 24 people. Hike meets 7:30 am. Please call before 5 pm, April 22. Leader: Robert Lovisa (301) 593-5360.

Harpers Ferry. Hike through 3 states, along the C&O canal to Split Rocks and Jefferson Rocks. This moderate 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 9:00 departure. Call Ken at (301)725-3306 kclark@excalib.com.

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

Little Sluice Mtn./White Rock Trail. Moderate to strenuous 11.6 mile hike in GW National Forest. Limited to 25 people. Leader: Dirck Harris (703) 787-3330 eves. til 9 pm.

Glover Park/C&O Towpath/Battery Kemble Park. Easy 7.5 mile hike. Meet by 12:55 for 1 pm start, south side of Van Ness St., 100 yds. west of Wisconsin Ave, NW, DC. (South on Wisconsin from Tenleytown Metro Station about 5 blocks, right on Van Ness.) Bring beverage, light snack. Leader: Laura Luftig
(703) 931-3977 eves before 9 pm.

100K Training Hike #9. Circuit hike of 25 miles on back roads in Frederick County. (See Mar. 6 listing re 100K.) Leader: Paul Kovenock (703) 525-5221.

Out and Back Hike In the Sky Meadows Area. Toughness of hike depends largely on how PATC's Dogwood Half Hundred leaves us. Leader: Cliff Noyes (703) 451-5181.

DISCOVER THE AT 1999 HIKE SERIES Enough about Y2K! The real news of the year 1999 is that MWROP leaders will be leading a series of day-hikes along the Appalachian Trail throughout the summer. Join us on this 18 hike traversal from Rockfish Gap at the southern tip of SNP all the way to the Maryland/Pennsylvania border. It's a great chance to meet new hikers, chat with veteran MWROP leaders, and maybe even say hello to some through-hikers on their way to Maine. Discover the AT begins on May 2. See Hike #1 below.

Tow Path Bicycle. Enjoy spring flowers and a relaxed pace on 35 miles of very gentle down hill from Antietam to Whites Ferry. Your bike should be in good running condition; hybrid or trail bike recommended; helmets mandatory. Joint outing with Parents without Partners. Leader: Dick Williams (703) 521-0731 before 9 pm.

Discover the AT Hike #1. A 10 mile hike from Gathland to Harpers Ferry. Contact the leader for hike requirements. Limited to 24 people. Leader: Dirck Harris (703) 787-3330 before 9pm.

Bay Bridge Walk. An easy 6-mile walk across the Chesapeake Bay. Call Sue at (301)498-8462.