Thursday Morning BOOT CAMP Hike at Island Ford

READ CAREFULLY!:  Ready for something a little different?  We're going to throw in some "boot camp" exercises today to add a little variety to our regular hike.  (Folks who don't want to do the exercises can take water breaks and watch the rest of us!)  Before starting the hike, we'll do some quick stretches.  Then interspersed throughout the hike, we'll throw in some push-ups, "Jane Fonda's", cross-countries, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and then longer stretching at the end. If the exercises are too strenuous for you, just attempt what you can and rest for the remainder of them. There will be some modifications if you'd like to try them but want a little easier approach. We'll be working some additional muscle groups today and folks might not be able to complete everything, but we'll have fun trying.

During the hike, we'll keep a brisk pace so that we get in at least 5 miles in our two+ hours.  (Note that we're adding an extra 15 minutes to the hike for our boot-camp exercises.)  We'll stop for water several times to keep hydrated - - desperately important in the summer heat.  

That being said, please note:  This is NOT a beginner's hike.  Our moderately fast pace over hills is still challenging.  And the trails have lots of rocks and root to navigate.  If you haven't done any D2 hikes yet, you should consider doing a few slower paced/flatter ones before tackling this hike.

 BECAUSE OF THE REAL THREAT OF DEHYDRATION IN HOT WEATHER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU BRING ADEQUATE FLUIDS WITH YOU.   ELECTROLYTE ENHANCED FLUIDS ARE RECOMMENDED.  NO HYDRATION = NO HIKING!

Additionally, we've noticed that yellow-jackets are appearing on the trails.  If you're allergic to their stings, be sure to have an epi-pen with you.  Long pants are also a good precaution, as yellow-jackets build nests in the ground and often sting legs.

Please sign up as soon as registration opens, as this hike tends to fill up quickly, and we don't want you to end up on the waiting list.

We'll start at the MIDDLE parking lot. This lot is NOT the first lot on the left, nor is it the Visitor Center lot;  rather, it's the lot before you come to the pond, on the left side of the road. .  . about .6 miles from the entrance.  We've found that parking in this lot is always light, and it affords a variety of routes to hike.

We'll start the hike promptly at 10:30 am.  Arrive at least 5 minutes early to meet everyone before we start,  and/or to purchase a $3 parking ticket if you don't own an annual pass. If you think you might need to use the restroom before we start, give yourself an extra 15 minutes, as you'll have to drive to the Visitor Center and then drive back to the trailhead parking lot. 

BE SURE TO LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME OR AT LEAST WELL OUT OF SIGHT WHEN HIKING.  CAR BREAK-INS HAVE OCCURRED IN ALL OF THE CNRA AREAS.

No more than 3 dogs on the hike, so if 3 dogs are already listed, please do not add yours. If you bring your dog, it must be kept on leash at all times.  The reputation of the AOC is damaged when we break the leash law!  Please - - no aggressive dogs who might challenge other dogs or people on the hike.

This is an example of a suitable, non-aggressive dog!  :-)

For folks who are interested, we plan to eat lunch together after the hike at the nearby North River Tavern, where the Thursday special is burgers for $5.95. It's very close to the park - - about a 5 minute drive.   8879 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350  

1906 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA

From northbound US 19 and GA 400
- Take exit #6 (Northridge Road).
- Coming off the exit, stay in the right lane, cross over GA 400, and turn right onto Dunwoody Place.
- Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive.
- Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

From southbound US 19 and GA 400
- Take exit #6 (Northridge Road)
- Continue straight ahead at the traffic light onto Dunwoody Place.
- Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive.
- Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

Once you enter the main gate, drive down the road about .6 miles until you see the parking lot on the left, above road level.  There will be a pond on your right if you drive past the lot.

Trail Map - http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/TrailMapIslandFord.pdf.  

North River Tavern:  8879 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350  (Optional lunch site)

Restroom facility is available down the road at the Visitor Center.  Allow an extra 15 minutes to use the bathroom so that you can get back to the middle lot on time.

Don't forget to bring $3 cash for a parking ticket;  change is not available. (AN annual pass can be purchased at the Visitor Center for $35.  If you're over 62, it's $10 for a lifetime pass.)

Trails can be muddy if there has been recent rain.  Be sure to have shoes with good tread that you don't mind getting dirty.  Waterproof shoes help, too!

Please cancel your registration yourself up to the time of the hike if you can't join us after all.  It puts an unnecessary burden on the trip leaders to ask them to delete your registration before the hike starts.