Washington Ditch Hike in the Great Dismal Swamp 2/19/2013

Nineteen Tuesday Group Members hiked the Washington Ditch into The Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. Most folks had not been on the Ditch in years if ever. Everyone was eager to get started. After the mandatory picture the group set off down the trail towards Lake Drummond. The trail is four and one-half miles long from the parking lot to Lake Drummond. It runs beside a ditch that we are told was used in the old days to float logs out of the swamp and for drainage. Once we were well clear of the trailhead Phyllis turned loose her dogs Dale and Aubrey. They jumped up and down running with excitement. Sandra had brought Dillon who was in training. As we were walking we saw what appeared to be a hunk of very course black bear hair on the trail. However, we saw no bears or bear scat. We did see a blue heron flapping its wings ahead of us. At one point we heard a big splash however, no creature was seen. Arriving at the Lake we took a break as we looked over Lake Drummond. On this day the winds were a bit chilly as we stood on the dock. After everyone was rested we walked back to the Parking Lot. As we approached the parking area the rain began to fall. All of us made it back to our vehicles before we got wet. What timing the TG has!

We drove to Amici’s Pizza Café in downtown Suffolk for lunch. Margaret J called ahead for us so that when we arrived everything was set. Everyone seemed happy with their meals. As we said our goodbyes we reflected on what a good times we have shared. So ended another fun day for the Tuesday Group .

Ellis

View Bill B's pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/b.billings/TuesFeb192013DismalSwampHike?authkey=Gv1sRgCOnBjKb3-4L7Ag&feat=email#