Thu, May 28 2015 - Thursday Morning Hike at Island Ford (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Divya N, Joyce T. Participants: Joyce T., Heidi W., SusanF, mike hirschmann, Suzanne, Doug, Mike C, Jennifer, Steve S, Jeff, Barbara, David Moreland, Carol, Trish, Davida, DaveO, Cathy K, Kim S, Marianna, Divya N

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A bittersweet event - - the joy of completing one full year of Thursday morning AOC hikes at Island Ford (sweet) with the knowledge that this was Divya's last AOC event--and her last co-lead with me-- before she leaves for India (bitter). I will miss her profoundly, as will many other members. She was always a joy to have on our hikes.

We had a unique experience on this one . . . spotting a snapping turtle laying her eggs by the trail. She was in a tranquil, meditative state, oblivious to the large group of people passing by and taking her picture. I returned to the Visitor Center to alert the park rangers to the eggs, hoping they would move them to a safer location. ~ Joyce