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November: Rocks State Park & Kilgore Falls
A group of us got together at Kathy's apartment for a viewing of "Kilowatt Ours," followed by intelligent conversation and beer at the Owl Bar. The following Saturday we climbed to the King and Queen Seat, a rock outcropping at Rocks State Park that used to be a ceremonial spot for the Susquehannock Indians. After hiking all around this mountain, we drove about 5 miles north on Rt. 24 to hike about a half mile more to see Kilgore Falls.
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October: Cromwell Valley Farms
Amy mixed it up a bit by holding this hike on a Sunday and wearing a Halloween costume while leading. A group of 10 Sierrans enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather as they traversed the grounds of Cromwell Valley Farms and entered the woods to follow a spur running along Loch Raven Reservoir, while carefully heeding signs forbidding trespassers.
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September: Central Park, The Big Apple
The Young Sierrans finally made it to New York! Amy led five YS's - Jason, Kathy, Kim, Adam, and Justin - on a beautiful tour of Central Park from the southwest corner at Columbus Cirle all the way to the northeast corner near Harlem. We rode the subway back to Columbus Circle and enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at the Coliseum.
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August: Patuxent River State Park, Jug Bay Area
The August Young Sierrans outing took place on the Patuxent River with 16 boats on the water! The Patuxant River Park is a great place for beginners as well as more seasoned boaters. We saw plenty of butterflies, and birds of all sorts.
July: Patapsco State Park, Hilton Area
On Saturday, July 15, nine Sierrans endured the heat and humidity to cover 6.5-7 miles of the trails in Patapsco State Park's Hilton area. Some of the trails, such as Buzzard's Rock, were very steep and rugged, while other sections were paved and flat. The area is heavily wooded and filled with streams. We crossed the Patapsco River on the swinging bridge and ate lunch beside the Cascade Falls. No one was pummeled by a mountain biker during the hike despite the popularity of some of the trails with riders.
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June: Seneca Creek State Park, Clopper Lake Area
In June we explored Seneca Creek State Park, following the trail around Clopper Lake and breaking off from time to time to follow various trails the lead us away from and back to the lake. We climbed hills of a couple hundred feet, ate on a fallen log in the midst of hundreds of pine trees, and enjoyed several pretty views of the lake. Below: When on one of the side trails, Maria spotted a Geocash hanging from a tree! We signed the guest book and enjoyed seeing what others before us left in the can. Below Right: June Young Sierran hikers.
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May: Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls
On May 20, 2006 the Young Sierrans hiked, climbed, and scrambled through the famous Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls Park. Nine of us watched kayaks traverse the rapids of the Potomac River, great blue herons cool themselves in the river's mist, and we even spotted a Koi fish! After enjoying snacks at the park's visitor area, we walked the trail along the canal back to our parking area.
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April: Gunpowder Falls State Park
On April 11,2006 Amy lead a group of 13 Young Sierrans on a 6-mile trek through Gunpowder Falls State Park. The spectacular spring day brought us brilliant sunshine mixed with a spot of soft spring rain. The trail forced is to cross the higher-than-expected Gunpowder river 3 times, but the water was warm and calm. We encountered several frogs and toads, about 30 deer, and Canadian geese. Birds chirped all around us as we ate lunch on an island in the middle of a small tributary of the River.
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March: Oregon Ridge
On Saturday, March 11, 2006, a group of 13 Young Sierrans hiked the trails at Oregon Ridge. The weather was warm, the skies were clear, and several days of dry weather meant the only mud encountered was while fording the stream (again and again and again). The group paused at a small pond to listen to the frogs sing. They were out in full force and anywhere one looked they could be seen. The Young Sierrans paused for lunch on an island after completing the largest loop. The second, smaller loop followed a trail along the top of the cliff from the quarry. Although the hike was very pleasant, it was agreed that future hikes in this park should include at least one volleyball.
February: Oregon Ridge
On Saturday, February 11, 2006 six brave Young Sierrans met at the City Cafe for their monthly outing despite the impending winter storm. The clouds were ominous, the air was still and bitter cold, but we hardy souls longed to feel the soft forest ground beneath our boots. So instead of driving an hour to Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg as planned, and risk getting stuck on a potentially snowy beltway later that day, we headed north to Oregon Ridge and scouted the trails there. About half way through our hike, just as Lloyd was preparing the hot chocolate, the snow began to fall and stick to our winter hats and clothes. It was beautiful! And by the end of the day we had another hike scouted for the Young Sierrans group.
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January: Robert E. Lee Park
On January 14, 2006, Kathy led 14 Young Sierrans on a 5.3-mile hike around Lake Roland and its tributaries in Baltimore City's Robert E. Lee Park. The group beat the impending rain and enjoyed unusually high temperatures for January. We followed an old railroad bed, circled the lake, and took a break on a rock outcropping for a view of the lake and a quick snack before finishing the day's hike.
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