Thu, Jul 17 2025 - Thursday Morning Semi-Fitness Hike at Island Ford (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Joyce T. Participants: Memphis Russ, Mike C, George B, Harry M, Steve F, Joyce T., Wally Walter, Jeff M, Mary H, Gwen E, Barbara L., Donna P, Edward Stapleton, Allison T, Elizabeth

Click for Album

With the dew point at 73, we really heated up and sweated on this hike. We were so lucky to catch an occasional breeze, but otherwise, hiking bordered on being uncomfortable. However, our group was strong and complaint-free, so we kept up a good pace and finished with about 5.5 miles. I'm so proud of this group!

Edward surprised us all by challenging Wally and Donna up the warmup hill and finishing first! It's always fun to watch the competition on the warmup hill . . . and for me, it's always from far behind the leaders.

We were happy to get through the hike without any interference from yellow jackets, which we heard were very active already. Wouldn't it be nice for Joro spiders to mature in time to eat yellow jackets? (I don't believe yellow jackets are on Joro spiders' preferred menu.) ~ Joyce

UPDATE:  I just checked with ChatGPT, and Joro spiders DO eat yellow jackets when the wasps get stuck in their sticky webs!  (I knew I liked Joro spiders!)