The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982 · 2019-02-16 · Parks, John Hanson,...

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Photo courtesy of Sandra Mitchell TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982 Visit us on the Web – hps://PiedmontHikingandOungClub.org Volume 37 - Number 2 March-April 2019 Hiking at Morrow Mountain State Park in the Uwharrie Mountains - January 2019

Transcript of The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982 · 2019-02-16 · Parks, John Hanson,...

Page 1: The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982 · 2019-02-16 · Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will go to dinner after the walk. If bad weather

Photo courtesy of Sandra Mitchell

TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982

Visit us on the Web – https://PiedmontHikingandOutingClub.org

Volume 37 - Number 2March-April 2019

Hiking at Morrow Mountain State Park in the Uwharrie Mountains - January 2019

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Wednesday Night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the parking lot between Qdoba Mexican Grill and Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk before dinner. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will go to dinner after the walk. If bad weather cancels the walk, the group will still meet at 6:30 and go to dinner.

Dates for Wednesday Night Walks & Dinner

March 6 April 3March 13 April 10March 20 April 17March 27 April 24

March 2-7 Kayaking – Paddle with the Manatees (part 2)

Citrus County, Florida

This is a 6-day/5-night kayaking adventure in the upper region of West Central Florida (just off the Gulf of Mexico). This remote coastal region is mecca for the eco-tourist and paradise to kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts. Bordered by State or National Wildlife Refuges, the areas are nesting grounds to thousand of migratory birds and other coastal and woodland habitat. Winter is a perfect time to paddle on these spring-fed rivers well known for their thermal pools and manatee sanctuary status. Day trips will include the Withlacoochee, Rainbow River, Crystal River and Cedar Keys – a cluster of islands off the Gulf Coast. This paddle is the second half of a two-part series. Trip capped at 20 and currently full.

March 2 Doughton ParkSaturday Doughton Park Loop

This will be a long, strenuous hike covering trails on Bluff Mountain. Excellent views from the top of the ridge. Expect a good workout from this hike. Please contact me for meeting details by Friday noon. 17 miles, 3500 [R-52]

March 2 Hanging Rock State ParkSaturday 5 Peaks of Hanging Rock

From the visitors center we will hike up to Hanging Rock then continue to Wolf Rock, House Rock, Cook’s Wall then on to Moore’s Knob, from there back to the VC. Expect good views and a good workout. Bring lunch and water. Please contact me for details. 10 miles [R-30]

March 2 Piedmont and Big LoopSaturday @ 9 am Lake Brandt Greensboro

Let‘s do an easy 8 miles on the Piedmont and Big Loop trails. Proceed north on Lake Brandt road past the Marina, cross over the dam and park in the gravel parking lot on the left. No need to call just show up. [R-9]

March 3 New Member OrientationSunday at 1:30 and Walk

Lake Higgins Marina Greensboro

Thinking about joining but wondering what it is all about, new member and not sure how to get started or recent member needing a refresher course? Meet with us at 1:30 p.m. in the small education room at Lake Higgins Marina on Hamburg Mill Road in Greensboro. Participants

Outings

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will hear about the PHOC, its opportunities, appropriate gear for PHOC hikes, what to expect and how to stay safe on the trail. The orientation will take about 45 minutes. Afterward we hope you will join us for a short walk in the woods – of course all members are welcome! The orientation and walk should wrap up no later than 5:00 p.m. If you need additional information please contact Butch or Terri.

March 8 Restaurant Outing – Lucky 32Friday @ 6 pm

Join me for dinner at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, 1421 Westover Terrace in Greensboro for “farm-to-table Southern cooking and a bountiful wine list in a relaxed setting.” This outing is limited to 10 participants and we will need reservations. Please let me know you are coming by Wednesday, March 6.

March 9 Mountain-To-Sea Trail – Saturday Jumping Off Rock to Jeffress Park

This longish walk over 13 miles of gently rolling terrain is an ideal winter hike. The trailhead is less than two hours from the Triad and easily accessed from both NC 16 and 421, and the terrain is user friendly and can be walked in almost any winter condition, barring pouring rain. At this time of year, we will get panoramic views of the mountains in the northwest part of our state (about 30 miles south of Doughton Park). This hike will suit those who like a good workout based on endurance without prolonged steep climbing but lots of some longish up and down bumps. The terrain alternates between often windy open meadows, sheltered rhododendron groves, and soft-to-the-feet stretches of evergreen copses. We will go through a variety of micro-climates, so layered clothing, including windbreaker, gloves, and hat, is strongly recommended. We

will start the hike at Jumping Off Rock and walk south toward Jeffress Park, cumulatively gaining 2,700 feet of elevation. Contact me for meeting times and places. [R-40]

March 9 Greensboro Watershed TrailsSaturday Lake Brandt Marina

This is a moderate hike with good views close to home. From Lake Brandt Marina the hike includes Wild Turkey Trail, Nat Greene Trail to Old Battleground Rd, and then Palmetto, Owl’s Roost and Piedmont Trails back to the marina. Bring lunch and water. Please contact me for details. 15 miles [R-25]

March 9 Greensboro Watershed TrailSaturday @ 9 am Bald Eagle Trail - Lake

Higgins

Let’s meet at 9:00 am at the Lake Higgins watershed trailhead for an out and back total of 8 easy miles. Proceed North on 220 (Battleground Ave), past the turnoff at Owl’s Roost Road to Bur-Mil Park, past the spillway at the bottom of the hill, and then left onto Hamburg Mill Road. Proceed past the Marina entrance gate at the top of the hill, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left just past the fence [R7].

March 10 Watershed Trail – Laurel BluffSunday @ 1:30 pm & Reedy Fork

Let’s meet at 1:30 PM and hike the Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork watershed trails. Proceed North on Lake Brandt Road, past the Marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the right. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. 8 miles [R-12].

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March 11 PHOC MonthlyMonday @ 7 pm Meeting

“Building and Hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail”Presentation by Kate Dixon,

Executive Director of Friends of the [email protected]

New Garden Friends Meeting801 New Garden Road, Greensboro 27410

You’ve seen the round white trailmarkers and realized you were on part of the MST, but may not have the big picture of this trail that crosses the entirety of our state. It's been over 40 years in the making and is still developing! Come hear Kate describe the latest improvements and how you can contribute to its completion, both locally and statewide. You might even be inspired to buy the license plate or go to the MST “Gathering of Friends” annual meeting in Surf City, NC, on March 22-24. Certainly you will want to hike sections new to you. Meet at 7 pm for refreshments and fellowship with the business and featured program beginning at 7:30 pm.

March 14 Providence RestaurantThursday @ 6 pm 5790 University Parkway,

Winston-Salem

Providence is dining for a cause at its best! Providence Restaurant is a program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. Entrees run around $20 and proceeds support the programs of Second Harvest. Please RSVP to Lynne by 5 pm on Tuesday, March 12 if you plan to join me for dinner and conversation.

March 16 Primitive TrailSaturday Doughton Park

About 90 minutes from Greensboro in Doughton Park is the Primitive/Cedar Ridge loop, a challenging but also very scenic hike. A club favorite. The trail goes creekside for 1.5

miles, then uphill 2.8 miles (with 2200 feet elevation gain), then along a ridge line and downhill with panoramic views back to the beginning. Meet at Carolina's Diner, Regional Road Greensboro, at 7:30 a.m., or Jonestown Road McDonald's Winston Salem at 8:00. Please email if interested. 12.5 miles [R-42]

March 16 South Mountain State ParkSaturday ChestnutKnob/Little River

This trail loop in South Mountains State Park offers a beautiful view of High Shoals Falls along the fairly strenuous ascent via Chestnut Knob trail. We’ll take a break on Sawtooth Trail and then continue on Horseridge Trail to the Upper CCC Trail along which we’ll stop for our second break. Our return to Jacob Fork parking area will be by way of Little River Trail. Please email me by 4 pm on Friday if interested and for carpooling details. 8 miles/2200 ft. [R-30]

March 21 Restaurant Outing Thursday @ 6 pm Bonefish Grill

2100 Koury Blvd., Greensboro

I have been craving seafood for a while and remember enjoying eating at this restaurant when I lived in Texas. If you are interested, please call, text or email me by noon on Thursday so I can make reservations.

March 23 Graveyard Fields. Saturday Shining Rock Wilderness Area

We will use the MST and Graveyard Ridge Trails to do a 11-mile figure 8 loop hike. There will be magnificent views all along the hike and 3 waterfalls. There will be about 2000 feet of elevation gain. This hike will be lead at a moderately brisk pace, so is for experienced hikers. Also It is almost a 3-hour drive with

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limited parking at the trailhead. We will leave Big Lots in Clemmons at 6:30 AM. [R-40]

March 23 Stone Mountain State ParkSaturday

Scenic hike in this state park. We will hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, plus trails to Cedar and Wolf Rock and maybe other trails. Please contact me for further information and meeting details by Friday noon. 7 to 9 miles [R-25]

March 23 Greensboro Watershed Saturday @ 9 am Nat Greene &

Palmetto Trails

Join me for an 8-mile hike on the Nat Greene and Palmetto trails. These are pretty trails with views of Lake Brandt. We will meet at the Lake Brandt Marina, Nat Greene watershed trailhead (on the left as you enter the marina parking lot) at 9:00 am. Bring water and a snack. [R-12]

March 24 Greensboro Watershed Sunday @ 1:30 pm Bill Craft Trail

Plainfield Road, Greensboro

Please join me for this out and back hike set at a moderate pace of approximately 7 miles of quiet, scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. New Hikers are welcome. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. The trailhead parking lot is on the right, after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. The trailhead parking lot will be on your left, after a few miles. Feel free to contact me, if you have any questions.

March 28 Restaurant OutingThursday @ 6:30 pm Embur Fire Fusion

107 Smyres Place,

Join me at 6:30 at Embur Fire Fusion, a relatively new restaurant in Greensboro, I’ve been twice

and really loved the Arroz de chafe, a Peruvian fried rice dish (mix of fried rice with chicken and vegetables). Per the website: Embur Fire Fusion offers authentic Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Greensboro. Our Italian-style pizza selection features seven traditional recipes, all fired in our wood-burning brick oven. Please email by Wednesday night if you plan to come. Group size limited to 14.

March 30 Primitive/Bluff Ridge Saturday and Flat Rock Trails

Doughton Park

Doing the Primitive/Bluff Ridge/Flat Rock loop at Doughton Park before the trees leaf out promises beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. After a strenuous climb from Longbottom Rd. to the top of the Blue Ridge, we will eat lunch at the former Appalachian Trail shelter on the summit of Bluff Mountain. After paralleling the Parkway on Bluff Mountain Trail, we will descend to our parking area on Flat Rock Ridge trail. Email me before 5 pm on March 1st if you intend to participate so that carpooling can be arranged. 13 miles [R- 46]

March 30 Boone/Blowing RockSaturday Boone Fork Trail BRP

Let’s hike the Boone Fork Trail at Price Park on the BRP (around mile marker 295). There are bathrooms near the parking lot. This 5 mile, easy to moderate loop trail, takes about 3 hours to complete. It may be too strenuous for novice hikers but is a hike that almost anyone in generally good physical condition can do. Suitable footwear is a must, given the diverse landscape with numerous stream crossings, some rock hopping, and a couple of ladders on the trail. This trail is well-marked. Following the hike, we may go to Blowing Rock and have ice cream. Call or email for meeting details. [R-10]

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March 30 Laurel Bluff Reedy ForkSaturday @ 9 am Watershed Trail

Join me for 7 easy miles on our lovely watershed trails. Traveling north on Lake Brandt Road, we'll meet at the Laurel Bluff parking area – it's on the right, just after you pass the Marina and just before you cross the dam. No need to let me know you are coming, but please contact me if you have questions. [R-12]

March 30 Uwharrie River PaddleSaturday @ 10 am

This will be a 7.4 mile Class I paddle in Randolph County and will be in part of the Uwharrie National Forest. Some prior paddling experience is required. There are numerous Class I rapids and the banks rise to 75 feet in places all with excellent scenery. Bring a kayak or canoe, paddle, life jacket, food and water. Dress in synthetics, nylon, polypro, not cotton, and bring a wind or rain jacket. Wearing a helmet is optional. Meet at 10:00 in Asheboro, NC at a shopping center with Food Lion. Directions: From Greensboro go south on US 220/I-73 and exit on NC 49/US 64, turning right (west) at the stop. Go straight following NC 49 for about ½ mile and turn left at a traffic light on Oak Leaf, then right into the parking area near the Food Lion. From W-S, US 311/I-74 merges into US 220/I-73 north of Asheboro, then follow above directions. Please let me know if you are planning on coming.

March 31 Mayo River State Park Sunday @ 10 am

This about a 4-mile moderate hike in a new area of the Mayo River State Park that is less frequented and has few developed trails. About half of the hike will be off-trail. This is a pristine area with large boulder complexes and rocky ravines. We’ll pass a vernal pool, walk by the

river, and enjoy some nice views. Wildflowers will be appearing, such as trout lilies. Good balance and some scrambling skills are helpful along with poles. There is one short, steep climb. Estimated time is about 3+ hours. Bring food, water, rain/wind layer, poles as desired. Meet at 10:00 at an Exxon Station on the right ½ mile beyond the US 220/ NC 68 merge. Please email me for directions. [R-20]

March 31 Greensboro Watershed TrailSunday @ 1 pm Nat Greene Trail

Let's meet at the trailhead a little before 1 pm for a 7-mile out and back hike. The marina is located at 5945 Lake Brandt Road. When you turn into the lot, turn left and we will meet at the end of the parking lot. Please let me know if you will be joining me.

April 4 Restaurant OutingThursday Tazaa Bistro Indian

on Bridford Parkway

Thursday, April 4th – Join me for dinner at Tazaa Bistro Indian, 1219 Bridford Parkway, Greensboro, in the Target shopping center. This restaurant is located in the strip of shops perpendicular to Target and directly across from Michael’s. This is a small place so the group will be limited to 10. The menu has both northern and southern Indian cuisine and the amount of spice can be adjusted to your palate. Please let me know by Wed, April 3rd at noon if you are coming so I can give an accurate count.

April 6 Colbert Ridge/Black MountainSaturday Crest/Buncombe Horse Trail

The hike will start in the Carolina Hemlocks Campground area and climb up the Colbert Ridge Trail to Deep Gap. We’ll then turn left on to the Black Mountains Crest Trail and continue over Potato hill, Cattail Peak, Balsam

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Cone, down to Big Tom Gap. We will continue down the Big Tom Gap connector trail to the Buncombe Horse trail for the long descent back to our cars. There will be a short road walk back to the cars. This is a very difficult hike with a lot of elevation gain, rocky terrain, overgrown trails and is for strong experienced hikers only. Email for meeting time and place. [R-60]

April 6 Pilot Mountain Saturday Mountain and Grindstone trails

This is a great local hike. We will do a 9-mile loop using the Mountain and Grindstone trails as well as the Ledge Spring and Jomeokee loops. We will break for lunch somewhere along the Jomeokee loop trail. Email for meeting times and place. [R-26]

April 6 Moses Cone Manor Carriage TrailSaturday Blowing Rock, NC

Many club members enjoy this hike with its wide, gently graded carriage trails. Half of the hike circles the Cone Manor and Bass Lake, and the other half is an up and back trail to the fire tower (panoramic views). Each section is approximately five miles. If you don’t want to do all ten miles, you can visit the Manor house and shop at the Craft Center. New Hikers are welcome to do part or all of this hike! There will also be an optional ice cream stop at Kilwin’s (in Blowing Rock) on the way home. Send Beverly an email by 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5 if you plan to come. 5 miles, approx. 500 feet [R-10] or 10 miles, 1,000 feet. [R-20].

April 6 Hanging Rock State ParkSaturday High 5 at Hanging Rock

Be your own champion as you run or hike the

5 big peaks/outcroppings in Hanging Rock State Park for a challenging 10+ mile outdoor adventure. Friends of Sauratown Mountains is sponsoring this event. All proceeds will benefit Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks. Please consider supporting this cause and coming out to see me at the registration table or along the trail. Advance registration is $30. Find registration options and all the information you need on the website at: https://high5athangingrock.com

April 7 Bill Craft Trail – Hike andSunday @ 9 am Discussion of Trail

Development and Maintenance

Let’s meet at Plainfield Road parking lot at 9 am to hike the Bill Craft Trail. I will explain how trails are laid out and constructed, and why maintenance is important. It will be an easy hike with stops to show how/why the trail was built where it is. We will go 2.5 miles out and 2.5 miles back, including both halves of the loop. Directions: heading north on church street crossing over Pisgah Church Road. Cross Lake Townsend twice then turn left onto Plainfield Road. The trailhead and parking lot is on the right after about a mile.

April 13 Stone Mountain SP Saturday MST from Stone Mountain SP

to Doughton Park

This hike will require a car shuttle. This will be a strenuous hike using the MST and the Cedar Ridge trails. We will hike from Stone Mtn State Park to Doughton Park. There will be lots of climbing in the first 6 miles of the hike until we reach the ridge. We will then hike on the ridge for 3.8 miles with occasional ascents and descents. We will then descend to the Doughton Park parking area using the Cedar Ridge trail. Please contact me for meeting details by Friday noon. 15 miles, 3600 feet [R-51]

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April 13 Grayson HighlandsSaturday

Spring is here and we are ready to enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Mt Rogers area. We will start from the backpackers parking lot at Grayson, hiking south on the AT, veer west on the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail and continue on the Cabin Ridge Trail before coming out to open meadows with great vistas. After lunch, we will start walking northbound on the AT, alternating between wooded areas and open spaces. We will go around Wilburn Ridge by way of the Crest and Rhododendron trails.We then come to the area that seems to be a favorite of the famous Grayson ponies. This is mostly a moderate hike, it does offer some modest terrain challenges: more than 80% of the route is very rocky and frequently quite muddy, with low areas of standing water and mini-creek crossings. Hiking with poles is definitely a plus. Please email if you plan to join us. Carpooling available from both Greensboro and Winston-Salem. 10 miles, +/- 1800 ft. [R-32]

April 14 New Hikers’ HikeSunday Hagen Stone Park –The Company Mill

PreserveTrail/Chatfield Trail

The Company Mill Preserve trail in Hagen Stone Park is near Pleasant Garden in the southeast part of Guilford County. It’s a 2.1 mile lightly trafficked out-and- back trail that affords opportunities to cross two running streams and to see wildlife. We’ll access the Company Mill Preserve trail using the Chatfield Trail, an easy 3.4 mile loop trail. These trails are primarily used for hiking, walking, trail-running, and horses. They begin at a lakeside and are quiet and peaceful trails with a few gentle ups and downs. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Please email me for meet up time and/or questions. (R-6)

April 18 Restaurant OutingThursday @ 6 pm Pho Hien Vuong

4109-A Spring Garden St.

Let’s meet for dinner at 7 pm at the Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Hien Vuong on Spring Garden St., Greensboro. This is an informal, casual atmosphere restaurant with outstanding food. Please call or email me before noon Thursday so I can let them know how many will be attending.

April 19 Paddle, PicnicGood Friday Oak Hollow Lake Marina

3431 N. Centennial St. High Point, NC 27265

Marina ph #: 336-883-3494

Please join me for a Good Friday paddle and potluck picnic at Oak Hollow Lake in High Point, NC. Time is 10:00 am to meet and rent gear. We will paddle for a couple of hours and have a late lunch in the marina area. Please pack a cooler with salads, sandwiches, or something like to share.

For this year, please bring or arrange your own boat and gear. The marina has 8 kayaks and gear for rental fee of $12.00. Launching your own kayak is fee of $2.00 for senior or $4.00 for regular fee. PFD is required. As before, we are at the mercy of City of High Point policies regarding the water, weather temperatures regarding boat rental availability. Please notify me if you are joining the paddle.

April 20 Appalachian Trail/ Round Top Saturday Ridge Trail

Hot Springs, NC

We will head north from Hot Springs on the A/T and start climbing up to "Lover's Leap". We continue ascending to Mills Ridge, then descend to Taynard Gap. We then ascend up Rich Mountain to the Fire Tower. We then take take the Round Top Ridge Trail and descend

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looping back to Hot Springs. There are two steep ascents on the A/T portion of the hike, each a little over a mile long. We will leave Big Lots at 6 AM. 3,000 ft elevation gain, 11 miles [R-50].

April 20 Rocky Knob National Park Saturday along the BRP

This loop trail begins from the Rocky Knob Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. This is a moderate 7.5- 8 mile hike with 950 feet of elevation gain and loss. The trail parallels the Parkway with views of Rock Castle Gorge, the Piedmont, and the countryside north of Floyd, VA and is narrow and steep in places. The trail eventually crosses the Parkway to access the Black Ridge Trail which has good views to the north from atop Black Ridge. Driving time from Oak Ridge and Winston is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Contact me for details about carpooling locations and departure times. 7.5 miles. [R-26]

April 20th Piedmont and Big LoopSaturday Lake Brandt, Greensboro

Let’s meet at 8:30 am and hike the Piedmont watershed trail and the Big Loop for an in and out, total of easy 8.1 miles. Proceed North on Lake Brandt Road past the Marina, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park on the gravel parking lot on the left. 8.1 miles. [R-9]

April 21 Owl’s Roost LoopSunday at 1:30 Greensboro Watershed Trail

Bur-Mil Park

Let’s meet at 1:30 pm at the Wildlife Center in Bur-Mil Park and hike the Owl’s Roost watershed trail from the fishing pier to the greenway, and then back again, using the fire lane trail for part of the return trip. Proceed

North on 220, past Horse Pen Creek (on the left), then right at the traffic light at Owl’s Roost, and then left into Bur-Mil Park. Bear right at the club house, and park in the circular driveway at the bottom of the hill, just below the Wildlife Center. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. 7 miles [R-12]

April 26 Restaurant OutingFriday 6 pm Village Tavern

Join me for dinner at the tried and true Village Tavern, 1903 Westridge Road in Greensboro, providing “excellent American fare for over 30 years.” This outing is limited to ten participants and we will need reservations. Please let me know you are coming by Wednesday, April 24.

April 27 Rock Castle Gorge LoopSaturday Woolwine, VA

Join me on this club favorite that has it all. The timing of this hike is right for us to discover the beautiful wildflowers that Rock Castle Gorge offers in abundance. Our hike begins with a long steep wooded ascent to an open cow pasture. We will then hike through meadows and enjoy some of the magnificent views which the Blue Ridge has to offer. We will drop down into the gorge where we will hike through a field of boulders. After further descent, will will hike above, beside, and crossover the beautiful Rock Castle Creek to return at last to the parking lot. Carpooling may be possible or meet us at the trailhead at the CCC Rd trailhead at 9 am. 11 miles [R-41]

April 27 Stone Mountain Loop Saturday with a Twist

For those of you with Saturday night plans and a need to stay close to the Triad, yet eager to

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get a bit of exercise on a beautiful spring day, this is the hike for you. This is a moderate walk with a few ascents that will get your heart rate up without killing you. The “twist” in the name of this hike is the loop’s Black Jack Trail extension. It bulges south, out of the loop, and connects two of the main view points on the loop, Cedar Rock and Wolf Rock. It adds a little over 2 miles and several hundred feet to the traditional loop, for a total of about 7.5 miles and +/-1600 feet. Contact me for meeting times and places. [R-24]

April 27 Knight Brown Nature PreserveSaturday @ 9 am Rockingham County

Let’s meet at the trailhead of this three miles of walking trails at the Knight Brown Nature Preserve in Rockingham County near Carolina Marina. The beautiful piece of land includes a wooded valley, two streams, and a bit of up and down. We will hike all of the trails with the option to hike less or do some of the loops twice for a longer hike. Please email me if you plan to join. [R-10]

April 27 Let's Go Sailing DaySaturday Lake Townsend Yacht Club11 am to 3 pm 6332 Townsend Rd,

Browns Summit, NC 27214

Ready to enjoy few hours at the Lake? Come to Lake Townsend, free sailboat rides, STEM activities for the children. Please contact me if you have any questions.

April 28 Spring FlingSunday at 2 pm Bur-Mil Park

Shelter #2

Join us at 2 PM for our annual celebration of Spring with a good ‘ole American Cook Out. Bring your favorite side dish, appetizer,

or dessert to share and a serving utensil for your dish. The club will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, (beef and veggie), condiments, plates, cups, silverware, tea, and soda. Bur-Mil Park regulations allow beer and wine in all shelters, but beer must be in cans, and wine in plastic containers or cardboard boxes. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and/or yard games.

Festivities and meal begin at 2 PM. Proceeding North on 220, turn right at the light onto Owls Roost and then left into Bur-Mil Park. As soon as you enter the park, turn left again into the parking lot by the swimming pool. Shelter #2 is the shelter on the left. There is no charge, guests included, but please do RSVP so we will know how many hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, etc. to buy. [email protected]

September 13-15 Kayaking – Coastal Carolina Masonboro Island

Wilmington

Join us late summer for a three-day/2-night full-moon camp and paddle adventure to one of North Carolina’s most famous nature preserves – Masonboro Island. This uninhabited island is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway with acres of beautiful coastline, abundant estuaries and miles of meandering channels cut through the lushest of sea grass. Day trips will include a back island tour, Whiskey Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway. A rain/hurricane/inclement weather date is scheduled for October. Trip is limited to twelve. Must have intermediate level paddling skills with boat size requirements. Contact me if you are interested.

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