Thu, Jan 1 2026 - New Year�s Day Semi-Fitness Hike at Island Ford (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Joyce T., Mike C Participants: Joyce T., Gerrilyn, Mike C, Suzanne, Steve F, Dawn B, Dolores H, Marina, Vicki piedmont, Bette, Paul M, Jinsil, Jan T, Gwen E, Eric P

Click for Album

Well, today was super-special. Not only was it New Year's Day and the final Thursday Morning Hike at Island Ford for many months (the unit is closing for trail maintenance till spring), but it was a TRIPLE centennial! Three ladies reached their milestones today: Gerrilyn - 900th, Jan 400th, and Dawn 300th! That was a first for centennials! (Congratulations, ladies!)
We had a great finish up the warm-up hill this morning. Vicki and Jan kept a strong lead until Eric caught up with them. It was a three-way tie until the very end when somehow the ladies out-maneuvered Eric and crossed the finish line first. (Eric's gentlemanly nature might have played somewhat of a role in the finish.) Well done, all three of you!
I returned from my Christmas vacation in DC with a bad cough (thank you, Serena) which turned into acute bronchitis. I finally got on medication yesterday, but the cold air on this morning's hike was too much for my lungs, and I couldn't stop coughing. Mike had offered to take over the hike if necessary, and I thankfully turned it over to him after about a mile.
Not wanting to miss getting photos, I drove to the upper lot for photos as the group passed through and then waited for them to complete their lollipop segment. I was able to take photos as they approached the parking lot on their return and again took photos as they hiked up the road and completed the hike.
Thanks to Bette for bringing New Year's headgear for the centennial ladies!
We had a really wonderful group today, and I was happy to at least be a part of it! ~ Joyce