Sugarloaf Mountain 4/21/2012

It's been years since I've been to Sugarloaf mountain in upper Montgomery County - probably 15 at least.  It's so close and such a lovely place to explore.  So, off I went early on a Saturday morning to be reacquainted.

I chose a hike that is about 5 miles and is considered "easy", with very little up and down.  I was surprised by how much up and down there really was - yet another reminder that I need to keep GETTING OUT THERE so I can get this tired, old body in shape.

I took the blue trail near the kiosk in the west parking area.  This turned out to be a good choice because there was a large group convening at the kiosk but they ended up taking the green trail.  Had they taken the blue, I probably would have changed my plans. I had been hiking with groups the past two outings, and I was looking forward to some introverted time on this hike!

As I said, I set off on the blue trail. Then I took the purple trail to make it a bit longer and wrapped around to the White Rocks overlook - lovely!  (http://www.sugarloafmd.com/images/maps/102709_trailmap.pdf) Of course, I stopped here, had a snack and took in the view.  Sugarloaf is a funny "mountain" because there are no other mountains (or even large hills) nearby.  It just pops up out of the Piedmont like someone jumping out of a cake.

I rejoined the blue trail at the overlook and continued on its circuit back to the parking lot.  Being one of the first really warm days in April, I was joined by a lot of bugs - a good reminder that I need to start bringing the bug spray along again!  As you can see from this picture, I worked up a good sweat!

I was quite sore the next couple of days, despite the "easy" rating on this hike.  Oh dear - how am I going to make it hiking the Alps in 4 months!  I better be sure to keep GETTING OUT THERE!  Care to join me?