Sat, Feb 14 2015 - Carpe Diem at Island Ford (Valentines Edition) (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lisa Participants: SusanF, alanpugh, Wendy, Greg Walling, Kristina, Sharon, Lee Ann, Glenda, Kathleen, karen z, DaveO, KimVo, Meg T, Lisa, greg

We seized this glorious Valentine's Day and had a wonderful time doing so. Fifteen hikers and two canine friends gathered at the Island Ford Visitor's Center, told one another our favorite candy, and set off along the river and through the woods. We soon shed layers and hit the water bottles as the day warmed up. We enjoyed near-solitude, only passing the occasional fellow hiker and a few more canine friends. We savored time catching up with old companions, meeting new friends, and walking along in periods of reflective solitude.

After completing several rugged trails, including the lollipop sweet treat, we found a sunny boulder on the river to share our poems and musings. The offerings ranged from Shakespeare to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry to original pieces composed on the Island Ford trails. As a surprise bonus, we were each gifted a special Valentine and a delicious chocolate treat. Afterwards, several of us continued the cameraderie with lunch at Panera. Carpe Diem!