March 18 hike update and information on upcoming hike on April 15
On Saturday, March 18, St. John’s hikers enjoyed a smooth and easy trek around the Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve, otherwise known as AWL, located off Raven Ridge Road in N. Raleigh. We were happy to welcome several “new” trail lovers, several heretofore unfamiliar with the preserve. Being in a park provided multiple walking options, allowing some to return to their cars early and others to keep on hiking. With cool weather, no rain, and no mud, it was the perfect walk for everyone!
Our next hike will be Saturday, April 15, at BW Wells Park, 1630 Bent Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. This delightful parkon Falls Lake is now managed by the US Corps of Engineers and will soon be transferred to Wake County as one of its newest parks. Remaining on site is the old Rockcliff Farm homestead for much-revered NCSU botany professor BW Wells and his wife Maude, along with numerous trails, natural geological formations, and abundant plant life unusual for this area because of its geology. The park is approximately a 15-minute drive from the church.
Carpoolers: meet in the church parking lot at 8:30; self-drivers meet at the park gate at 8:45 or thereabouts. A walkable gravel road will take us to the park. As always, please let me know if you plan to come so I will know to look for you! 919-522-7917. NOTE: The Annual BW Wells Heritage Day is scheduled for April 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s a free, fun, and educational activity day for individuals and families. Come enjoy the bounties of nature on Earth Day!
St. John’s hikers extend a fond farewell with many thanks to “Trail Angel” Ann Rich who recently moved to Colorado for at least 12 months. A regular participant in our monthly hikes, Ann was not only an experienced hiker but also informally served as our group photographer, trail “sweep,” and quick-thinking responder in the event of a trail mishap. Long-distance hikers use the term “trail angel” to refer to local residents who come to a hiker’s aid if and when needed. While certainly not in the long-distance category, St. John’s hikers have occasionally needed a little help too, and Ann was always the first to react. She will be missed….but we hope to have her out on the trails with us again in 2024! Good luck, Ann.
Pictured below are, front, Kenille Baumgardner; middle, Nancy Stoller, Melanie Murphy, Roxanne Johnson, Lois Sauer, and Stephanie Rogers; back, Helen Holt, Kevin O’Donnell, David Stoller, and Dave Arner. Not pictured here is Ann Rich, our faithful photographer, trail “sweep,” and trail angel!
