Eight hikers including hike leader, Gabriel Garretson were brave enough to explore the total length of the Moormans River in flood condition after 10 inches of rain. We started on the SNP at Blackrock Gap and finished at Jarman Gap. Initially we had seven hikers including, Gabriel, Claire Cline, Patricia Wright, Tony Lagana, Stephanie Weaver, Aislinn Lagana and John Sinclair. We pickup up another hiker midway, John Brandt, who managed to ride his bike and trail run to catch up with the group after we had a considerable head start. The overall hike was 11 miles with 15oo feet of ascent and 32 total stream crossings (counting side streams with an opportunity to get wet). Everyone got their shoes wet as we had to “ford” the Moormans River about 12 times with water level about 2 feet higher than normal. Rock hopping was impossible. Tony Lagana provided expert instruction on crossing methods for deep white water streams that helped most hikers. Only one person slipped on the most difficult stream crossing and she was promptly rescued without injury. This was a challenging hike but one of the most beautiful water hikes I have ever attempted. Everyone got back safely and the memories of the adventure will linger for many years to come. We got a chance for swimming in the blue hole and assisted a hawk in need of immediate medical attention. Despite the flood conditions, everyone enjoyed the hike and are looking forward to a repeat hike later this year. Claire Cline, as usual, did an excellent job as our hike photographer.
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