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MAY 6 - 14, 2006
$1500
Lalita Malik, Leader
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 The
Mid-Atlantic region of the Eastern United States, in which you will
find Shenandoah National Park, Harpers Ferry, the Appalachian Trail and
the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, provides a splendid variety of
terrain, flora, fauna and hiking. Mountain-top trails have views of
rolling hills, meadows, forests, and distant peaks, while
streamside paths reveal deep, wooded canyons, rocky ledges and
cascading waterfalls. Wildflowers and mountain laurel
abound. This "sampler" offers hikes of unsurpassed beauty.This trip will visit 3 distinct geological provinces: the Appalachian Plateau, Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge. Wildflowers will be in season in one region, and mountain laurel in another. Our expert guide will interpret the geology of the region and help us identify the plants and animals we see. We will hike on high plateaus, through bear country, among 300 year old hemlocks 90 feet tall, beneath the Paw Paw tunnel along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal towpath, and through a wildlife management area to connect with the Appalachian Trail (AT).  On our way to Shenandoah National Park we will visit a Virginia winery for wine tasting. After waterfall and sunset hikes in the Park, we will spend our last day in Harpers Ferry. This is the home of the Appalachian Trail Conference which is responsible for coordinating the efforts of many local hiking clubs which maintain sections of the AT. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park documents the rich history of this town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. An optional whitewater rafting trip (extra cost) will be available on these two famous rivers. The hiking level is moderate, ranging from 5 to 11 miles per day with moderate elevation gains. While shorter hiking options are possible, trip participants should be in good physical condition. (Tentative Itinerary) Transportation during the trip will be by van, driven by our outfitter. The trip will begin and end at Dulles, VA. Individuals arriving by car will be able to leave their vehicles at the outfitter's parking lot. Accommodations will be at resorts, an Amish inn and a National Park lodge. Breakfasts and dinners are included. For midday meals we will rely on box lunches or deli takeout--both at extra cost. We often overlook the beauty in our backyard. You don't have to travel far and spend long hours in an airplane to enjoy some of the best scenery on earth. Come join this trip and see for yourself. Price of $1500 ($150 non refundable) includes: Accommodations (double occupancy), transportation during the trip, guide, breakfast and dinner every day (16 meals), wine tasting and all park admission fees. Not included: Airfare, lunches, alcoholic beverages and personal items. For more information and to sign up, contact the leader, Lalita Malik, 61 Patrick Drive, LaGrangeville, NY 12540, telephone 845-592-0204, E-mail LalitaMalik@aol.com. |