05/29/2014 Trip Notes: Because this location is usually marks the last scheduled hike of the season, it has become kind of a tradition to have a ‘pot luck’ bar-b-queue picnic at the end of the hike. Even though I was not signed up for this hike, I decided use the opportunity to introduce Connie to many of the people that I had hiked with over the past several months. Because this beautiful spot is only about 30 minutes from our home, Connie and I try to come here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at least a couple of times a year. It is almost always 10-15 degrees cooler than the city, and as you can see from (Fig. 01), today was just a beautiful, clear sunny day. With Connie still recovering from hip surgery, instead of hiking, we just spent the morning talking with friends and chowing down on grilled hot dogs, beans, and the many salads and desserts provided by everyone in attendance. Not only does this final stop of the season allow all of us to give special thanks to Linda Groft, our trip organizer, and Bill Terrance, our van driver, for their continued dedication and service, time is often taken to celebrate birthdays and special occasions of those in attendance (Figs. 02 – 06). for one of the few pictures I captures all day, I did find someone in the pasture adjoining the picnic area that appeared to be looking for a handout (Fig. 07 & 08). As usual, the day was a fitting end to yet another hiking season full of pictures, memories and lasting friendships.
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