Sierra Club hikes the Potomac

Yeeker, yikers! Dinosaurs in Great Falls National Park? Well, doesn't it look like one? Emerging from the tree on the left with its mouth ajar and tongue extended?  Ready to eat your lunch! Actually it's the shadow of the tree seen below on a trail yesterday/Photo by Patricia Leslie

This is the real "dinosaur" whose branches are shadowed in the first picture above, scenery from yesterday's walk in the park at Great Falls/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A-hiking we will go, a-hiking we will go!  Hi, ho, the derry-o, a hiking we did go with the Sierra Club yesterday at Great Falls National Park/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Attention, Dog: Where is your common courtesy? One-lane or single-file is necessary at this stretch in Great Falls National Park where dogs must give way to oncoming traffic, too/Photo by Patricia Leslie

These roots along a trail at Great Falls National Park are worse than the ones you see growing on human heads, and these cause stumbles. Look like petrified snakes to me. That's the Potomac River out there/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Now this is what I call natural support, found at Great Falls National Park/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Sierra Club hike leader John McShane got pricked by this varmint pretending to be a plant at Great Falls National Park.  "Yowee," he kind of screeched when he touched it. (Why did he touch it? To show us not to touch it?) The name of the plant was something like, Grizzly Needles. Speaking of ground (and tree) nuisances, abundant poison ivy and other invasive species of plants were in full "bloom," perhaps brought over from our friends across the Atlantic. Thanks, friends from across the Atlantic! Please take these back home.  Mr. McShane said they cost parks big bucks/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Stendahl's The Red and The Black which was published almost 200 years ago (1830) may be the reasons these trees are named "Red Oak" on the left, and "Black Oak" on the right, Mr. McShane said, identified by their different barks which are quite similar but after a brief study, even a novice like me could see differences. I hope Great Falls National Park is going to host a big bicentennial birthday bash for The Red and the Black which, after all, stand not too far from the intersection we passed that in 1814 James and Dolley Madison crossed when they fled the British advancing on Washington. The Madisons took the high road, and the British (they likely brought over some of those nasty invasive plants), the low road/Photo by Patricia Leslie

These rocks in Great Falls National Park are, no doubt, covered by water from time to time, but yesterday, they were covered by hundreds of human feet, clobbered by the rocks/Photo by Patricia Leslie

I guess the man is too old to know how to read. The sign says "Danger Boat launching, swimming, WADING, and alcoholic beverages PROHIBITED Treacherous waterfall downstream."  Several people have died at the park, misled by the calm surface which hides "alligators" underneath to carry visitors away/Photo by Patricia Leslie

We did have lots of fun, we did have lots of fun, hi-ho, the derry-o, we did have lots of fun at Great Falls National Park.  Thanks, John and Larry!/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Beautiful scenery from an overlook at Great Falls National Park. Absent (glory be!): boaters, kayakers, canoers, and swimmers/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Another view from the overlook which looks towards the District of Columbia/Photo by Patricia Leslie

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, perfect for kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a leisurely four-mile Sierra Club hike (which actually turned out to be 3.5 miles or 3.7 miles, depending upon whose web counter was doing the talking or rather, the measuring). A group of 21 mostly strangers met Saturday at the crowded Great Falls National Park  to relish the sights and sounds of the falls and the trail, and be out in the woods.  Nature, you know, and the glory of all its benefits, recounted by hike leader John McShane reading from the writings of the Club's founder, John Muir.  (At the rear of the pack, Larry Broadwell was "the sweeper," to keep us "in line." Both leaders, outstanding in their roles. Applause.) It was that kind of a beautiful day. Everybody, out and about, including members of Rolling Thunder at the park. The hike was described in the posting as "easy to moderate" but when you're talking and admiring the scenery, my, how time does fly.  No snakes! But a (likely) volunteer was spotted, picking up small bits of litter along the trail. We were lucky that Mr. McShane knew so much about trees, snakes, leaves, and roots!  Not only did we get a walk, but we got welcome lessons in nature.  It was a crowded park, yes, but maybe, it's always like that. It took me at least 20 minutes (someone else said, 35) to wait in the car to make it through the gate (cost is $15/carload unless you have a senior pass).  When the hike ended two hours later and I exited the park, I counted 108 drivers waiting to get through the gate. (Two-lane road; no room for expansion.  Save the trees!)   Sierra Club hikes are highly recommended.  You don't have to be a Sierra Club member to participate ($2/person is requested to hike but is not mandatory, and no one takes a listing of who pays and who doesn't). But, if you are interested in joining, it's only $15 for new members to join the Sierra Club's Great Falls Group which you may do here and go here for a list of upcoming area outings which vary in length and degree of difficulty. Benefits, galore! patricialesli@gmail.com

Join us for morning hike along the Potomac River including stops at the spectacular overlooks and a discussion of some of the common trees in the area. DISTANCE--approximately 4 miles; PACE--easy to moderate; SURFACE--mostly flat, natural trails. Some sections of the trail are very muddy so wear sturdy boots. We will meet In the open area directly below the visitors center at 9:45AM to sign waiver. We will leave at 10AM sharp and return at 12 Noon. Facilities: there are restrooms in the visitor's center.Parking: there is plenty of parking at the visitors center. Fee: $15/car park entrance fee (unless someone in the car has a National Parks Pass). SCPRO appreciates a donation of $2 per person to support our many volunteer-led activities and leader training. You will be able join the hike even if youre unable to donate. You can become a Sierra Club member by clicking join on the Virginia Sierra Club website: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia Level: Moderate
Cost: There is a $15/car park entrance fee (unless someone in the car has a National Parks Pass). SCPRO appreciates a donation of $2 per person to support our many volunteer-led activities and leader training. You will be able join the hike even if youre unable to donate. You can become a Sierra Club member by clicking join on the Virginia Sierra Club website: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia

People's Climate March photos and a nomination

Marchers from Virginia were well represented in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014 in New York City.  Under the stellar direction of Susan Bonney, the Sierra Club chartered 12 buses for 700 Virginia members and friends.  This was a scene on Central Park West /Photo by Patricia Leslie

The sign says: "Dear Big Oil, Our love affair is over.  You make me sick."  Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

From the steps of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at the corner of W. 65th St. and Central Park W. The church generously opened its doors to marchers who needed bathroom facilities and maybe, a place to worship/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014.  Instead of metal and plastic posts for signs, the city approved cardboard signs and posts which the Earth liked better, too/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014. The police were well-behaved all day; some even smiled.  The People's Climate March had plenty of staff on hand to guide participants and answer questions.  Talk about organization!  The U.S. Congress would do well to take lessons from the People's Climate March. Think about it:  Who/what else could bring 400,000 together to march in an orderly fashion and deliver the most important message on Earth? More than kudos to the People's Climate March organizers! I nominate People's Climate March for the Nobel Peace Prize/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Looking up Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014.  Everywhere, all day long were people.  People up Central Park West, people down Central Park West.  We never saw the beginning nor the end of the People's Climate March. The people spoke.  And chanted. And sang and shouted, and chatted amongst ourselves.  And after two minutes of pre-planned "silence" at 12:58 p.m., 400,000 musicians blew horns, whistles, trumpets, and made merry with cymbals, strings, shouts, clapping, and bells at 1 p.m., in an explosion of sound which rolled up and down the streets, a wave of cacophonous medley unlike anything I have ever heard/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stopped to shake hands at W. 65th St. and Central Park West at the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

There they go, the new Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., up W. 65th St., at the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A moving statue on Central Park West in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

The Earth rolls along Central Park West in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Students from Drew University attended the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014.  Topless women with chests decorated a la Miley Cyrus came, too/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Central Park West with Green Mountain College in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Vegans were numerous in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014 in New York City.  About two trillion pounds of animal waste are deposited annually in the U.S., polluting drinking water, the environment, and people. My "bus buddy" was a vegan who educated me about the practice. What's life without cheese, butter, beer, and ice cream, I pondered.  He said some vegans shun honey because it comes from bees.  So, that's where they are. Bee waste.  I tell you, it's a problem. (He ate some of my honey-roasted nuts, and the chocolate cookies and breakfast bars Susan passed around, hidden that he was by the tall bus seats which provided cover from vegan scorn.  (Google that.) There was more than one vegan on the bus. Are you kidding?  This was the Sierra Club.)

To solve the problem and discontinue harmful consumption, why don't we just all starve and save the Planet?Photo by Patricia Leslie

The signs say (left) "All we are saying is GIVE EARTH a CHANCE" and (right) "A Fried Earth is No Yolk." The best sign of the day:  "There is no PLANet B."  Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

"Where's my daddy?  Where'd my daddy go?"  Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

"There's my daddy! And my mommy."  Along Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

The Donald did not come out of his hotel to greet us on Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Hold it!  Hold it right this minute for a ritual mid-street on Central Park West with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

This couple played their guitars on Avenue of the Americas, and marchers joined them to sing "This land is your land" in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014.  Not far from here was the Bank of America building, protected by barriers, where marchers directed a loud, constant chant: "Bank of America!  BAD for America!" /Photo by Patricia Leslie

The sign says:  "Say No! Fracking, Keystone.  Say Yes! Wind, Solar" with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014 on Avenue of the Americas/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along Avenue of the Americas with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014, and the Earth rolls along on top/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Along W. 42nd St. with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On W. 42nd St., he said he had accidentally rubbed his horns into a woman who was not injured, in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

"Concerned Families of Westchester" with the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On 11th Avenue, maybe it's a big tree root with nest on top, powered by men on four sides riding parts of two bicycles, front and back, in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014.  Following them not far behind, an elderly couple stopped and asked us if we had seen an "ark" going by.  Maybe this was an ark?  It was easy to get separated from your party since just about 400,000 showed up to make a big statement/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A large tent lady on 11th Avenue in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

The smartest people of the day, two women, natch, rode in style in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On 11th Street in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Alas, all good things must come to an end.  For Asheville, N.C. participants, the final leg of the trip was just another 12 hours on the bus, but what's 24 hours inside a tube when the Earth is at stake?.Besides, 12 hours was probably enough time to sing"1000 bottles of beer on the wall." Along 11th Street in the People's Climate March, Sept. 21, 2014/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

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Christmas party animal chat

African Sulcata Giant Tortoises at the Linton Zoological Gardens, Cambridge, England/tigertailfood.com

At a Sierra Club Christmas party I met a woman who told me that she and her boyfriend have a pet ... tortoise.
Really.
They've had him (it's a "he") three years, and he has increased his girth from a three inch circumference to about the size of a dinner plate. 
When he reaches adulthood, he'll be big enough to ride, she said.
To ride?  Where would you ride a tortoise?  To the Harris Teeter and back over the course of a week?  Would you carry along a mini-refrigerator to store cold items?
On the other side of me at the nicely decorated table was a woman who had just come from the zoo after a long, circuitous route into the Tysons Corner jungle which carried her over two hours to Annandale before she could figure out where she was, having left her GPS at home. 
"I'll never do that again," she said, "because once you're in a lane, you're in a lane forever, and there's no escape." 
Don't we all know it, the pitiful who live at Tysons Corner and have to endure the mess?  A dangerous mess. 
The zoo lady took canvases to the zoo, she said, to get "animal art." Animals with painted feet  walk on the canvases, and then she sells them to Sotheby's for $$$.  (Just kidding about the Sotheby's part, but it makes good fodder and it's believable, isn't it?  Modern art.)
What happens to their painted feet? "Oh, the paint just comes off," she said.
But back to the tortoise...his name is Livingstone (with emphasis on the last syllable (?), and yes, his name comes from the African explorer). 
The owners "absolutely adore" him.
Yes, I guess so, if they've got a tortoise under roof!
Livingstone has his own personality (!), his own table/room (?; unclear) and free roam of their apartment.  I didn't ask her, although I must say the thought occurred to me more than once, about uuuummmm, you know.  Does the pet store have tortoise diapers? (Try Googling that. They're there!)
(Since her fiancé was absent from the party, one assumed he was safely at home tortoisesitting which is not far from "torturesitting." Hahaha.)
Do they take Livingstone on trips?
No, her boyfriend's parents have a big house and a separate room all fixed up for Livingstone who is moody and loves to eat lettuce.  He is a vegetarian. 
Join the throngs! 
That's all I wanted for Christmas: another moody person/animal to live with.  (Do plants have moods?)
It pays to get out.