This was a short 2.1 mile hike on mostly flat, beautiful trails at the base of Mt. Sugarloaf. There were only 6 of us: Nancy, Elaine, Conrad, Lissa, Joe and myself and we really enjoyed this “laid back” hike together. Right at the start of the hike we heard, then saw two Pileated Woodpeckers up in the trees. We stayed and watched them for a good 10 minutes. What amazing birds they are! A hollowed out (live!) tree trunk was a perfect place for a group photo. Lissa noticed a sign that was not only posted upside down but warned that the porta potties were out of service. Someone must have had fun putting it up as a joke as there surely are no porta potties in those woods. Lissa extolled the nutritious vales of Beech Tree buds so Joe and I ate a few, but they got a “no star” rating from both of us. After the hike we drove to “Wild Roots” eatery for lunch. (Ginni knows. it.) I had an apple, cheddar and arugula panini on ciabatta bread and lots of free ice water. And while we ate our lunch, we also solved all the problems of the world! Lots of love, Penny 
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