Write-up by: Lu Blanchard

Despite the cloud cover the “Moon in June” hike really shone. We ate dinner at the Boonville Hotel – Rebecca had a chance to see us clean and shiny instead of sweaty and dirty! Food was great as always and stories were told and retold as we sat around the table. While waiting for the rest to arrive from Mapledale, the diners took a pre-hike around Erwin Park and visited a Civil War Veteran’s grave in the cemetery across the road. This Union soldier died of exposure at Andersonville Prison, one of the most horrible POW camps of the war. It is a wonder his body was recovered. We had a chance to relive our childhood on the playground equipment – the slide proved too much for a couple of us and the merry-go-round went around a few too many times for others! By then the rest of our group (19 in all) arrived and we started out on the canal trail.

No moon was visible, but ambient light defined the trail with little problem. On occasion, the dense tree canopy left us truly in the dark, but the path was wide and easy to follow. We were entertained by flickering fireflies along the way and a balmy breeze helped keep us cool. The weathermen led us to believe temperatures would fall into the 40’s, but that didn’t happen until well after we were home, asleep in our beds. Gail brought ready to eat (pre-cut) watermelon that was gobbled up by us all. It was so cold and sweet it really hit the spot!

After all was done, I think we would agree that the all-night hikes with breakfast cooking in the morning will have to be left for the next generation of tramps! Bed never felt so nice! Thanks to the Boonville Town Board for allowing us to use the facilities after hours and thanks to the co-leaders, Gail & Bobby, for being such sports!