4 State Challenge & Mount Bierstadt (August 2012)

It is now winter, we just celebrated Christmas -- and I've got a lot of catching up to do! This post is dedicated to two hikes done separately by myself and my husband. We did not bring the kids on these ones, but they were "big" hikes (for us), so I definitely want to record these. I'm starting with with what I know about hubby's big hike -- which are only the main details about this incredible accomplishment (please forgive me, the details are approximate!)

4 State Challenge (PA, MD, VA, WV)

While I was doing my big hike in Colorado, Hubby was back on the East Coast attempting the 4-state challenge (and succeeding!) He had the pleasure of accomplishing this crazy task with a good friend & someone that we both happen to like and look up to, we'll refer to him as "A".  I'm going to get hubby on here to write out the details of his experience soon, but-- In a nut-shell, they hiked 43 miles (I think?) on the Appalachian Trail -- through 4 states, starting in Pennsylvania and hiking down through Maryland, Virginia and to West Virginia. They did this in LESS than 24 hours (I don't know the exact time it took, but I remember being very surprised at how quickly they managed this!) And the icing on the cake? Our friend A. forgot his hiking shoes, so he accomplished the first part of this hike in my husband's Saucony minimalist running shoes, which were a couple sizes too small (OUCH!).

I'm sure my husband will have more to add to this, so stay tuned!

Mount Bierstadt

This photo was taken from the trail head. We hiked
through here and up to the top of the mountain on the right.

While hubby was on the Appalachian, I was home in Colorado where I had the opportunity to climb my first 14'er, Mount Bierstadt. I and was lucky enough to be able to do this with an old friend, my College roommate & AOII Sorority sister, "V". Mount Bierstadt is considered one of the "easiest" peaks to climb in Colorado. Even so, I was a little nervous about climbing to the summit of a 14,000 foot peak (rightly so, it was hard!)  It was a 7 mile hike round trip. We had a 2850 foot elevation gain, and it took us about 5 hours (with plenty of stops to catch our breath up that high!).  It was a cool 39 degrees at the base of the mountain right as the sun was rising (in AUGUST!), it warmed up pretty well on the way up, and stayed in the 50's in the sunshine. It was cool again at the summit, if I had to guess, I'd say it was in the high 40's.

- It was tough. Climbing from the base of the mountain, you really can't see the peak, you can see a very large "hill". V and I struggled for about an hour and a half to climb to the top of what we thought was the summit. Upon arriving to the top of that first "hill", we were a little disheartened to realize we were only half way there. And we had only managed to climb the "easy" part. We still had to climb the steep, boulder-ous part... The part where there is no trail... We regained ourselves and made it through all of those rocky boulders to the top. V navigated that second part beautifully by the way -- she was hopping lightly from boulder to boulder like a bird!

- It was fun. Although it was physically challenging, it was one of the best experiences I have ever been through. There were a few times during the hike, when we were gasping for air in the high elevation that I asked myself "Why did we want to do this again?". All I had to do was turn around and look back over those beautiful Rocky Mountain views to make it all worth while.  The feeling and the view that we had when we made it to the top (and especially when we made it back down and looked back on what we had done) was a wonderful reward!

- I was lucky enough to have a hiking buddy (and best friend) with me to laugh with, complain with, make fun of ourselves... oh, and to stop and enjoy one of a kind Colorado pizza with at Beau Jo's on the drive back home. I would absolutely do this again, and more if I am able! Next time, I will pack less food and water -- Pack more lightly all around. I was worried about what I had read about weather changes and conditions at the summit. I came loaded with first aid, a full water bladder, ponchos & food. Having so much in my pack kept me well prepared, but my heavy pack made it difficult to climb and balance around the boulders at the top. V had the right idea, she packed very lightly in an old camelback holder.

Below I've posted some of my Mount Bierstadt photos. They do not even come close to capturing the true beauty of that hike... (Ask V, I was an echo of the "double rainbow" guy for most of our trek)...

Mount Bierstadt is the Curved
mountain to the right

At the summit, We did it!

"V" nearing the top!

At the top!

A little friend, hoping to share our snack

To give perspective, the highlighted
circle shows the people at the
 top. 

Again, to give perspective, the highlighted circles are people.

Near the top of the peak.

Taken from the summit on the "back side" of the peak

Devil's Backbone (August 2012)

My sisters and I did an evening hike at Devil's Backbone in our beautiful home state, Colorado. We only went 6 miles, the trail goes much further but we had to stop because we ran out of daylight. This trail was easy & well-traveled. Both kids could have managed this hike, and I will definitely take them next time! (During this hike they were spending time on the farm with grandparents)... We did the hike around sunset  -- a great time to see the deer, and watch the amazing sunset over the Rockies. Not much else to say -- the pictures speak for themselves!

Fair Hill NRMA Hike (FINAL PQ!)

This was an awesome quest for us to complete -- it was our last quest to complete for Park Quest 2012, it was an almost 4 mile trek for us, and we had a wonderful sense of satisfaction when it was complete! We pushed hard to complete all 23 state park visits in 2 months -- and We did it!

Our hike began at the bow area C. The quest was a wonderful mostly wooded hike. About 2/3 of the way in we were greeted with a nice surprise -- hiking a long a short section of creek to a covered bridge. We came to a fork in the trail (one of many) with 2 park quest signs. We didn't know at the time but the trail doubled back on itself. The boys decided to go one way, and the girls decided to go another to see what we could find. M. and I had chosen the path that took us right along the creek path. Sure enough, as we neared the water we heard the very near crack of thunder...followed by another. It was at this point that D. called my phone (thank goodness we had reception here), and let me know that he was pretty sure that the trail doubled back on itself. We agreed with the thunder booming behind us that we would follow the trail up to the covered bridge and wait out the coming storm (which we did). M. and I made it to the bridge just as it started to pour... The boys were not so lucky, but after running the trail they made it to the bridge shortly after the rain began (they were still soaked!).

Getting some relief from the heat

Covered bridge in the distance

 It was fun & exciting for all of us to seek shelter in the covered bridge while we waited for the thunder & rainstorm to pass! The rest of the hike was pretty but uneventful. Along the way we had a series of clue stops. At each stop we learned a little about the history of the state park (which has over 80 miles of trails!). Collecting a number corresponding to a letter, which would eventually lead to us retrieving our final stamp making our entire season of park quest complete. This place is a haven for horse back riders, and we shared the trail with several! If we have time, we would like to come back here for a hike. There was so much to explore, we easily could have gotten lost here had we no plan of attack.

waiting out the rain!

 Below, our 24th and FINAL PQ Passport Stamp!

And for our memories, the original PQ post

The Freddie Fox Chase

Introduction to Quest

Your quest is a letterbox hike or bike, a tradition started in 1854 in England. Letterboxing combines elements of a scavenger hunt, map reading, hiking, and puzzle solving. You will follow the trail of Freddie Fox as he guides you on a hunt using clues to find hidden “keys” to open the secret letterbox. Once you have your “key” and you open the letterbox, you will record your discovery in its logbook. Then take the stamp located in the box and stamp your Passport or another piece of paper you brought with you. Don’t forget to write your team name in the box log along with the date and a quick note if you would like. This exciting excursion will take you on about a 3.2 mile trail and give you a quick view of the Fair Hill NRMA.

Super Quest

Bring your “horse sense” to complete the Super Quest by riding horseback on an hour loop to find the clues about some of the equestrian events at Fair Hill. Horses are available to rent or you can bring your own.

Quest Information

The Fair Hill Quest is available dawn to dusk. Print your Park Quest worksheet from this webpage and bring it with you. Don’t forget a pen or pencil to write your clues. You will start at the Bow Hunt Area C Lot, and follow the trail marked by the fox logos to the Covered Bridge and back to the start point. The trail features a hard-packed surface, grasslands and may have uneven, rocky footing. Teams who want to bike must provide their own mountain bikes. Don’t forget to wear your helmets. Teams who choose to hike should wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Remember to apply sunscreen and bug repellent and bring water and snacks. Pets on a leash are permitted on the trail. Record your clues on your worksheet to discover the “key” to open the letterbox to stamp your passport.

Please remember that this is a shared trail, meaning hikers should to be courteous to bikers, horseback riders, and all other trail users. Like following the rules of the road, it is important to stay to the right side of the trail so that others can safely pass on your left.

Portions of these Quest trails are not easily accessible, as some segments are steep, very rocky and unpaved. The trail is not suited for strollers. Should you require special accommodations, please contact park headquarters (            410-398-1246      ) at least one week in advance.

SUPER QUEST

Starting at the Race Barns on Kennel Drive, teams will discover clues as they ride horses and discover Fair Hill’s equine attractions. Equestrians can ride their own horses from dawn to dusk. If you wish to spend a night with your horse at Fair Hill, please call the office at            410-398-1246       to make a stall reservation. Rental horses with a guide are available with a 48-hour notice by calling the Fair Hill Stables at             410-620-3883      , where you may obtain information on costs and requirements.

Quest Worksheets

• Print the Fair Hill NRMA Park Quest Worksheet here
• Print the Fair Hill NRMA Super Quest Worksheet here

Park Information

Fair Hill is a 5,655 acre Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA), where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and less than one half mile west of Delaware, Fair Hill is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty.

At one time, one of the largest private land holdings in the East, Fair Hill was formerly owned by William DuPont,Jr., an avid equestrian who acquired the farmland as a means to enjoy riding, as well as fox chasing. Fair Hill was purchased by the State of Maryland in 1975 from Mr. DuPont's estate.

A blazed trail extends from each of the five parking lots and joins the park's extensive trail system (approximately 80 miles). The multi-use trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians alike. A color trail guide can be obtained at the park office for $6 or online.

Fair Hill's attractions include the turf course, where steeplechase, timber course and flat races with pari-mutual wagering are held Memorial Day weekend (www.fairhillraces.org). A pavilion is situated near the historic, rustic covered bridge where visitors frequently stop for picnic lunches. The Cecil County Fair is held on the fairgrounds where some 80,000 visitors attend the weeklong event (www.cecilcountyfair.org). Also located at the fairgrounds is the Edward L. Walls Activity Hall, with a capacity of 350 people. It includes kitchen and restroom facilities, and is available to rent for functions which further the mission of the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service or the local agricultural community.

Anglers can test their skills on Big Elk Creek, which is a stocked, put-and-take trout stream and travels the entire length of the Fair Hill property. A variety of fish species can be caught in the creek. A Maryland Angler's License is required for all fishermen 16 years of age and older. A Maryland Trout Stamp is required to possess or keep trout. Consult your Maryland Fishing Guide for additional information. Disabled visitor parking and a disabled-accessible fishing pier are available.

Elk Neck State Park Hike - PQ

This weekend we visited Elk Neck State Park for a Park Quest hike. Since we didn't think it was a good idea to do a steep climb at Rocks with M. in the hiking pack, she and I hiked Elk Neck while the boys put their climbing skills to work. We hiked the beaver marsh loop on our quest, looking for a series of clue stops. At each clue stop we had the opportunity to learn facts about Captain John Smith, his exploration of the area, and also about the Susquehannocks tribe, it's early inhabitants. Our quest began at the Rogue harbor marina area and continued up through the beaver marsh loop trail.

We learned how and what the tribe used the land and animals in this area to forge their survival -- making weapons, clothing, nets, shelters and hunting and food collecting. For example, like many other native tribes, they used the hides of large animals to create clothing & blankets to for protection and warmth. They used the native forest hardwoods like oak to make canoes. At each stop we had to answer a question, perform an activity, or record a fact relating to Park Quest or to the area itself. At the end, the numbers that we recorded at each stop were used to open a lockbox to collect our passport stamp.

The trail itself was beautiful. It was narrow and a little hilly. M., our 2 year old did the whole hike on foot. She fell a few times but made it the whole way. We both enjoyed this hike, although we were overwhelmed by the number of spiders & spider webs across every section of the narrow trail. I had several (at least 4) spiders land on me... Luckily I they were friendly... Neither M. or I got bit!We liked Elk Neck, the camping looked great, and we like the fact that it has a marina & boat launch. We have marked this as a future camping spot if we can fit it in the schedule, and we'll be bringing our boat up with us.

Below, our PQ passport stamp:

And for our memories, the original PQ post:

Discovering the Susquehannocks Cache

Introduction To Quest

Many of us have seen movies portraying early European settlers’ first encounters with the Native Americans and many of us have heard stories about the explorations of Captain John Smith. Your quest at Elk Neck State Park will take you back in time to Captain John Smith’s first encounters with the Susquehannock tribe. You will hike along the Beaver Marsh Loop trail in search of letterboxes that will give you clues to the materials used in making Susquehannock tools.

Quest Information

The Park Quest Adventure at Elk Neck State Park will take place in the Rogue Harbor Area. The quest will be available daily starting at 9 a.m. and ending at sunset. To complete the Quest, you will walk approximately one mile round trip. It should take about 1 hour to complete. The majority of your quest will take place on the Beaver Marsh Loop trail. Please be prepared for your forest hike by bringing: comfortable hiking shoes, tick/ bug repellant, water, and snacks. Pets are permitted on this quest, but we ask that you keep them on a leash and clean up their mess. Please note pets are not permitted in other areas of the park. Please call or visit our website for more details before bringing your furry friend.

Your Park Quest Passport provides you and your team free entrance into the day-use areas of the park including Rogues Harbor where your quest will be. Please show your Passport to the attendant at the Contact Station.

If you like, you may print out your Park Quest packet from the link on this web page. If you cannot print the packet, you will have to first stop at the Camper Registration building in the Elk River Camping Area to pick up a Park Quest packet. When you arrive to the Rogues Harbor area, follow the Park Quest signs to your starting point, the bulletin board by the boat ramp. On the bulletin board, you will find instructions that will introduce you to your quest. As you ‘Discover the Susquehannocks’, you will collect numbers that will open a combination lock on the ‘Park Quest Passport Stamp Box’. Once you have finished your quest and collected the combination lock numbers, open the box, fill out the Park Quest Log Book, and stamp your passport.

Quest Worksheets

• Print Your "Discovering the Susquehannocks Cache Quest" Worksheet here

Park Information

Elk Neck State Park covers nearly 2,200 acres of the peninsula at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. Within easy driving distance from the Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Wilmington metropolitan areas, Elk Neck draws thousands of visitors each year to its scenic North East and Elk River bluffs, its splendid woodlands, and its quiet shores. The Park features four main areas: North East Beach, the Elk River Camping Area, Rogues Harbor, and Turkey Point.

North East Beach - Visitors who make the first right after Park Headquarters will find North East Beach, a popular day-use area that features shallow-water swimming in the North East River, approximately two dozen picnic tables with grills, public restrooms and showers, a playground, seasonal snack bar, and access to two hiking trails and a soft boat launch. Leashed pets are also welcome in this area before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

Elk River Camping Area - The first left after park headquarters (Thackery Point Road) leads to the Elk River Camping Area. Day-use visitors may choose to visit the Park Store for refreshments or supplies, or access the Park’s extensive trail system at the Pond Loop or Ravines Loop. Campers who register at the Elk River Ranger Station have their choice of approximately 258 campsites, nine rustic cabins, seven mini-cabins, or six youth group sites. We offer both RV camping and tent camping. The Nature Center lies along Thackery Point Road and features wildlife and historical displays. Naturalists open the Nature Center during the peak camping season and run a variety of programs for all ages.

Rogues Harbor - About a mile and a half past the campground, on the left side, is the road to the Rogues Harbor boat launch area. Rogues Harbor is a year-round, 24-hour facility. During the peak season, there are public restrooms and a convenience store. The store sells snacks and drinks, souvenirs, fishing and boating supplies, and marine-grade gasoline. Boaters with vehicles registered in Maryland must pay $10 to launch from Rogues Harbor, and out-of-state boaters must pay $12. These fees are for sailboats, motorboats, and personal watercraft (jet skis). Kayakers and canoeists do not have to pay the launch fee. Day use visitors may be charged a day-use fee. Such visitors could include hikers who access the Beaver Marsh Loop and White Banks trails at the back of the Rogues Harbor parking lot.

Turkey Point - Turkey Point sits on the southern tip of the peninsula and is the home of the Turkey Point Lighthouse. Built in 1833, the 35-foot lighthouse appears much taller standing atop a 100-foot bluff that commands a view of the Chesapeake Bay, the North East River, and the Elk River. Visitors can drive to the southern terminus of Route 272 directly into the Turkey Point parking lot. From there, they can walk the wide, nearly mile-long trail over rolling hills to the lighthouse. Volunteers are at Turkey Point to discuss the history and the future of the lighthouse on weekends from April to November.

Rocks State Park Hike (PQ)

Another Park Quest on Saturday -- this time way up North to Rocks State Park! This quest had three hike options, ranging from moderate to steep/strenuous -- both of which A. was able to hike up on his own -- the moderate hike was recommended for ages 5+, and the strenuous for ages 8+! (Rather than carry M. up and down the rocks in the pack, she and I sat this one out)The hike was short but steep -- and D. & A. had the opportunity to see and learn about some neat rock formations & their history.

@ King & Queen's seat

Gator Rock

The first one was the King and Queen seat -- oddly enough this outcrop has a history of graffiti! A history of graffiti carvings that date back to the 19th century. The outcrop got it's name because it is said that before the area was a state park, it was a small village. The large boulder served as a backrest for the king and queen. Unfortunately, graffiti is still a problem in the area, and it takes away from the natural beauty.

Finally, Gator rock -- a natural rock formation that is also found in other parks across the state & in Massachusetts and Newfoundland. It is believed that the large stone may have been part of a natural dam that was eroded by Deer Creek -- a process that likely took over 1000 years of constant erosion.

Below, our PQ Passport stamp

And for our memories, the original PQ posting:

Meet The Rocks Stars

Introduction To Quest 

Come meet some of our famous rock stars. Some of you have seen them on screen, television, in print or in photographs all over Facebook. People come from all over the world to get up close to them; from the famous like kings and queens, movie stars, television personalities and writers, to the infamous like John Wilkes Booth, to just plain folks. This Quest will allow teams to enjoy a hike witnessing some of Mother Nature’s best sculptures that run through Rocks State Park.

Quest Information

This quest is self-guided. Please be sure to print and bring a copy of the Rocks Quest Passport Worksheet. You will also need a pencil or crayon in order to complete your rubbings. There are three access points to start your quest.

1. “Park Quest” - Designed for children age 5 and older. Approximately .51 mile hike. From the Rock Ridge Picnic Area (located .7 miles on the left-hand side of St. Clair Bridge Road off of Route 24).
2. “Bonus Quest” – Designed for children 8 and holder. Approximately 1 mile hike. From the Park Office or Kelloggs pull-off (located on the right- hand side of Rocks Chrome Hill Road off Route 24)
3. “Extreme Quest” – Designed for adults and children age 10 or older. Approximately .59 mile hike. The Rapids Parking Area (Located on the left-hand side of Route 24 north of Rocks Chrome Hill Road)

Due to the rocky nature and inclines of Rocks State Park, this quest is not recommended for young children in strollers. The Quest is available 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset, except from the “Less strenuous” (Rock Ridge Picnic Area). Access from Rock Ridge Picnic Area is 9 a.m. to sunset. Please Note: The Park may fill to capacity on weekends and Holidays. There is no parking along the roads or on the grass.

Pets are allowed on trails, except at the King and Queen Seat due to the large boulders which make up this rock cropping. Please be respectful: There may be church ceremonies/weddings being held at the King and Queen Seat on the weekends. Also, climbers may tie off their ropes near the King and Queen Seat itself. Please use caution and do not touch the ropes.

Park Information

Rocks State Park, originally slated to be called, Deer Creek State Park, began in 1951. Rocks consist of 855 acres of forests and massive boulders rising 190 feet above Deer Creek, a designated Natural Trout Stream, which is popular for fishing and tubing. The King and Queen Seat was a ceremonial gathering place of the Susquehannock Indians. It also affords a view of the rolling hills and farmland of Harford County. Also preserved on park property are remains of the Maryland and Pennsylvania (Ma and Pa) Railroad, farms and quarries of Northern Harford County.

Greenwell State Park Hike (Historic Barn Trail/Red trail) PQ

The historic Barn -- Southern MD Charm

Red Trail

Friday evening took us down to the Southern part of our beautiful state -- Greenwell State Park, located in Hollywood Maryland. This park quest took us on the Historic Barn Trail followed by the Red trail. We did not GPS track this one but estimated it to be about 2.25 miles round trip. The highlight of this trip was not only seeing the historical barn, but being able to go in and explore this beautiful relic! Inside, the park had left old farming equipment and the inside largely unrestored, giving it a very authentic feel. Near the equipment and on the walls/doors of the different areas, there were fact sheets, telling us what each was used for. Not only was this fun to explore, but we got some great pictures as well.  We visited this barn on a friday evening, around 6pm, which added to our experience!

The hike itself was easy, flat, on a mowed meadow-like surface. Along the red trail we spotted 5 deer right off the bat. First one, then a group of 4. Along the trail, we had to find a series of letters posts. At the end of the trail, in order to receive our stamp we were required to answer a riddle about the area.

Below is our PQ passport stamp:


And for our memories, the original PQ posting:

Greenwell Historic Barn Adventure

Introduction To Quest

Your Park Quest adventure will allow teams to enjoy a scenic 1.6-mile stroll past historic barns and farm fields. Historic barns, such as those found at Greenwell State Park, are true icons of Southern Maryland charm and heritage.

Quest Information

Greenwell State Park’s Quest is a moderate hike that begins on the Historic Barn trail (approximately 0.15 miles) and continues onto the Red Trail (approximately 1.6 miles). Keep your eyes peeled along the trail for seven letter posts containing one letter of the alphabet to unscramble and spell out a word to solve a riddle. The seventh and final post will have the last letter, the riddle for unscrambling the letters, and the riddle to unlock the box containing the stamp and inkpad. Once you have unlocked the stamp box, stamp your Park Quest booklet and record the answer to the letter scramble next to the stamp in order for this Park Quest to be valid.

From the parking lot, follow the farm road to the Historic Barn Trail. Just outside the barn will be a post with the first letter. Continue and make a right heading for the Red Trail. Next letter post will be at the head of the loop for the Red trail. Third letter post will be near the first handicap sign in the trees. Fourth letter post will be at the canoe campsite. Fifth letter post will be at the last lookout point of Hog Neck Creek. Sixth letter post will be at a midpoint between the fifth and the seventh letter post, and the seventh letter post will be at the other handicap sign just before the finish of the trail loop.

Park Questers must write the answer to the riddle for unscrambling the letters next to the stamp in order for the Park Quest to be valid. From there, Questers can either follow the rest of the Red Trail back to the Historic Barn Trail to the parking lot, or will be free to explore the other trails nearby.

Park information

Greenwell is a 596-acre state park located on the Patuxent River in St. Mary's county, Maryland. Created from a farm donated by John Phillip Greenwell, Jr., and his sister, Mary Wallace Greenwell, the park provides a rural setting for recreation along an important tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. The park includes ten miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails, along with access to the river for kayaking and fishing. Greenwell State Park, in partnership with the Greenwell Foundation, also has a special focus on providing recreational opportunities and programs for the disabled. The Greenwell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Maryland Park Service to provide universally accessible and inclusive programs, services and facilities for all community members, with and without disabilities, in Southern Maryland. The Foundation is based in Greenwell State Park. The Greenwell Foundation offers therapeutic and recreational riding lessons, summer camp and nature camps, kayaking, accessible site rentals and is regularly developing new programs to meet community needs. In 2007, more than 40,000 people visited the park, more than 500 people participated in programs, and more than 1,000 people used the park's accessible facilities for family events and celebrations. The Greenwell Foundation also manages and rents the Rosedale Manor House and the Francis Knott Retreat Lodge.