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October 23, 2007
Kindred Spirits in Washington, DC
Kindred Spirits by Asher Durand
The past 8 days I have been in Washington, DC to attend the fall 2007 meeting of the American Hiking Society Board of Directors meeting. While in town sandwiched around work, I managed to get out and about and enjoy some of the many wonderful things that DC has to offer. That includes museums, hiking, cycling, movies, and fine dining.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the exhibit entitled Kindred Spirits: Asher B. Durand and the American Landscape at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It was a spectacular exhibit containing more than 50 paintings from this master of the Hudson River School of Art. It will remain on display in Washington through January 6, 2008. If you plan to be in the vicinity of our Nation's Capitol, I highly suggest that you carve out some time to see this spectacular exhibit of landscape paintings from the 1800s. The museum's permanent collection includes a number of treasures including works by William Merritt Chase, Jasper Cropsey, Edward Hopper, and so much more.
The Goat (L) and Seth Levy (R) along the Potomac Heritage Trail
Yes, that's Kudzu along the trail.
I was also able to spend a little time hiking with some Kindred Spirits along the Potomac Heritage Trail in NW Virginia along the banks of the Potomac River. We got together for a leisurely hike, a few laughs and some good conversation. The Potomac Heritage Trail is one of 8 trails to receive the designation of National Scenic Trail. That's the same status bestowed upon the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. Although not nearly as long or as well known as some of those longer trails, the Potomac Heritage Trail is definitely worth the hiker's attention!
Jeffrey Hunter on the C&O Canal along the Potomac River
Early morning light on the C&O Canal
On Sunday morning I took in an adventure of a type that I haven't undertaken in perhaps 30 years. I rode approximately 30 miles on a bicycle with my co-worker Seth Levy! We started at Seth's apartment in the chilly pre-dawn hours and made our way to the C&O Canal by way of Rock Creek Park. Once on the canal, we rode 13 miles to the Billy Goat Trail. Once there, USGS Trail Ecologist and American Hiking Society board member Dr. Jeff Marion led us on a tour of the Billy Goat Trail. Jeff has been performing research to try and minimize user impacts upon this biodiversity hot spot where more than 50 rare plants are found. If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Marion's work to protect biodiversity along the Billy Goat Trail you can download and read his progress report on the project. (PDF 1 MB)
Dr. Jeff Marion's work along the Billy Goat Trail is protecting rare native plants from trampling
A hiker's view of the Potomac River Gorge from the Billy Goat Trail
They don't call it the Billy Goat Trail for Nothin'!
After 8 days in DC it was finally time to head back to Chattanooga. My flight out of DC was delayed because some much needed rain was falling in the southeast.
So here I am back in Chattanooga. After work I head to Nashville to see Ryan Adams live at the Nashville War Memorial. I just finished downloading the new Neil Young record Chrome Dreams II, so that'll tide me over on the ride to Music City. Yes, the American Hiker lifestyle is good!
If you're not already a member of American Hiking Society, I hope you'll start your adventure with us, and become a member today. After all, every great hike starts with a first step.
Great Places to Hike | By Jeffrey Hunter | 11:02 AM
