December: North Central Railroad (NCR) Trail
On December 11, 2005, Saki led a 7 mile conditioning hike on the NCR Trail from Monkton Station to Sparks Road and back. This hike was over packed snow and despite the softer surface, some people were able to maintain over 3.5 mph carrying a light pack. Susan, Lloyd, Amy, Seth, Payam, and Saki participated in this event which ended with shopping at a craft store on Monkton Road.
November 12: Gwynns Falls Trails/Leakin Park Hike
On November 12, 2005, Kristin led 8 people on a 6 mile hike on the back trails of Gwynns Falls and Leakin Park, commencing at Winnan Meadow Trailhead. Gwynns Falls and Leakin Parks together comprise more than 1,000 acres - one of the larger urban wilderness preserves in the United States. This hike included a stop at the Carrie Murray Nature Center where we viewed several animals and exotic insects. We also passed by the Crimea Mansion and the headquarters for Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound.
November 5: North Central Railroad (NCR) Trail
On November 5, 2005, Saki led a conditioning hike over the North Central Railroad (NCR) Trail. This hike was 7.6 miles and covered the southernmost end of the trail to Sparks Road and back. The group averaged about 3.4 mph with packs ranging anywhere from a day hike weight to a 3 day backpacking weight. A 4-foot long black rat snake and a large hornet's nest were spotted. Susan, Lloyd, Nicole, Jacinda, and Saki participated in this event which ended with lunch at the Bagel Bin.
October: Gambrill State Park
On October 15, 2005 Lloyd led a 5.5 mile hike on the Yellow Poplar Trail of Gambrill State Park. This park is comprised of over 1137 acres and named after the late James H. Gambrill, Jr, of Frederick, a leading conservationist. The day was cool but dry and sunny, the first such day after a solid week of overcast or rain. In addition to several mountain bikers, we also shared the trail with a box turtle. Afterwards, some of us ate lunch at the High Knob Area, then went out for ice cream. Below is a photo of Lloyd, Susan, Lani, Chris, Kim, Katie, Michelle, Nicole, and Never (a Corgi dog) at the North Frederick Overlook.
September: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
On September 10, 2005 Kathy led a 6 mile hike in Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, created in 1985, is comprised of 1250 acres of tidal freshwater wetlands, upland forests, and open farm fields along the eastern shore of the Patuxent River. It has approximately 8 miles of trails and boardwalks which traverse a variety of habitats that are home to a wide variety of aquatic plants and many species of birds, fish, and other animals. After the hike, we all went to Saki's for a cookout.
August: Patuxent River Park
From Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28, 2005, Saki and Kathy led a beginner level kayaking/hiking/camping trip at Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay. This park is known for its scenic natural wetlands and bird watching. After setting up tents at Half Pone Landing Canoe Camp, we did a 3.5 mile dusk/night walk around the main camp area then along the Critical Area Driving Tour (CADT). The evening ended with hot dogs cooking on an open fire. On Saturday, we rented kayaks and paddled 5.5 miles, primarily on the Western Branch of the Patuxent River. This included stopping for lunch at the newly opened Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park where we received a mini-tour by an on-site archaeologist. That afternoon, we went to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary where we viewed various animals at the visitors center, did a short 4 mile hike, then finished by tossing the flying disks and sock toy. Upon returning to the campsite, we commenced grilling burgers. It rained hard that night but cleared up the next morning. On Sunday, we cooked a bacon and egg breakfast then paddled 5.5 miles, mostly on Mattaponi Creek. We ended our adventure with lunch on a hill overlooking Jug Bay, near Jacksons Landing. Saki, Sande, Kathy, Jared, Noy, Nicole, Dustin, Holly, Maria, Amy, Lloyd, and Susan participated in this event.
July 16: Billy Goat Trail
On July 16, 2005, Saki, Nicole, Noy, and Gregg from the Young Sierrans joined up with 10 people from the Howard County Group for a 7.5 mile hike on the Billy Goat Trail. The hike began at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. We hiked along the Gold Mine Loop and the Valley Trail of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park. Then we crossed the canal at Anglers Inn. We walked along the towpath and picked up the east end of Section B of the Billy Goat Trail. We saw numerous frogs, some as small as three quarters of an inch and some as large as 3 inches. After finishing Section B, we walked along the towpath again and picked up the east side of Section A then headed west on Bear Island. This was the best part since it involved the most rock scrambling and provided the most open views. Stopping for lunch, we watched whitewater kayakers, saw a 3 foot long black snake, tadpoles, and numerous lizards. Back on the towpath again, we saw several turtles with shells ranging between 2 inches and 14 inches long. We ended the hike viewing the overlook, observing some brave kayakers go down a 12 foot drop in the rapids then recover ready for more! This was probably our hottest, most humid organized hiking day yet, with many of us consuming 3 liters of water.
July 10 : Gunpowder River Tubing
On July 10, 2005, the Young Sierrans teamed up with the rest of the Greater Baltimore Group for a tubing trip down the Gunpowder River led by Joyce. The air was hot, the water was cold, and the day was sunny as about 10 Young Sierrans floated down the river at Monkton Station. Jack led an encore performance of this trip on August 14, 2005. Ben, Noy, Renen (Noy's brother), and Saki represented the Young Sierrans in this event which drew about 35 participants!
June: Soldiers Delight
June 11, 2005, Nicole led her first hike with the club despite blazing heat and humidity. She spoke of how Soldiers Delight is an ecological restoration area and serpentine barren once used for chromite mining.
May: Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay
On May 14, 2005, Kathy led a circuitous hike near the marshy wetlands in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County. Countless frogs and tadpoles were seen!
April: Patapsco Valley State Park, McKeldin Area
On April 16, 2005, Saki led a hike in the McKeldin Area of the park and spoke about the history of the area. Nine turtles were spotted that day!
March: Appalachian Trail
On March 5, 2005, Angela organized and led a group of seven Young Sierrans on a 10 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail in from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Gathland State Park in Maryland. It was a gorgeous and surprisingly warm day and there was still lots of snow on the ground. For many on the trip, it was the first time they had hiked that distance, and all were impressed with their successful completion.
January, February, March
Several trails lie within reach of the Hilton Area in Catonsville. Much of this area has local historical significance with the development of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad along the Patapsco River. On January 15, 2005 and February 12, 2005 Angela and/or Kathy led scenic hikes over sometimes snow and ice covered trails. On March 12, 2005, Saki led a hike to the Glen Artney area. Five deer were encountered that day! |
