During 2023 our hiking group went on 92 hikes for a total of just over 400 miles, averaging about 4.4 miles per hike. The distance per hike was similar to last year’s, but the reduced number of hikes inevitably lowered the total distance hiked. The area covered was similar; perhaps even expanded a bit, since we ventured out to a few distant locations.

During January through March we hiked along the Mount Vernon Trail to River Farm, saw snowdrops along the Long Branch Trail, and spotted a blue heron fishing at Neabsco Creek.

In April, May and June we watched the sun set at Chatham Manor, hiked to the Little Falls of the Potomac, and spotted a pair of red-shouldered hawks along Difficult Run.

In late Summer and early Fall we hiked and canoed along the Shenandoah River, saw a nest of young ospreys at Port Tobacco, and found green treefrogs along the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk.

As late Fall and Winter arrived, we hiked in Shenandoah National Park, visited Great Falls Park in Virginia, and saw mute swans at Widewater State Park.

As always, Jim Bovard, the well-known author and perennial public policy hooligan, took time out of his busy schedule to host 29 of our hikes.

Another great year of hiking!