Sunflower Mystery Hike (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

IMPORTANT:
(1) This date is NOT yet confirmed. I will update it when the natural resources staff can predict the likely peak date.
(2) If you attend this hike, you PROMISE NOT TO REVEAL THE SUNFLOWER LOCATION on any social media, including Meetup.

5 to 7/8ish miles hike on largely flat, sandy, wooded trails, at a moderate pace (2.5-3 mph) beginning and ending at SECRET SUNFLOWER FIELDS. Our route depends on the heat and trail conditions, but please be prepared to hike roughly 7 miles. (And, OPTIONALLY, roughly another 1ish mile around the sunflower fields to photograph them AFTER the official hike, if you like.) Please do NOT attend if you can't keep up with the group because this area is isolated.

We'll see indigo buntings and likely some other boisterous birds like summer tanagers and white-eyed vireos. And some wildflowers grow there in the sand that don't flourish in the DMV.

OPTIONAL ICE CREAM! Please join us for some of the best ice cream ever at a local dairy farm after the hike.

MEET: Exact location will be emailed or texted to participants the night before the hike if you supply your email address or phone. For planning purposes, our hike is roughly 100 miles from the White House on the Eastern Shore. BUT EACH MEMBER WILL PROMISE *NOT* TO REVEAL THE LOCATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

BRING: Love of sunflowers, sense of awe, sense of humor, several bottles of water, fully charged cell phone, bug spray, and lunch or a snack. Optional: binoculars or camera. I RECOMMEND FREEZING SOME OF YOUR WATER BOTTLES HALF-WAY SO YOU ALWAYS HAVE COLD WATER. In severe heat, you have to drink enough to stay SAFE. Also recommended is an ice chest in your car with additional half-frozen water bottles.

**PEAK BLOOM UPDATE